Visualize Projects After Condition

It's a typical situation. The property owner is concerned about the value of their property. A new project has been planned or proposed and immediate panic sets in. Regardless of the project's scope or complexity, or whether it's a power line, apartment building or parking structure, the property owner claims damages and files a lawsuit.

Accurate and realistic graphics of the "After Condition" have proven successful in helping to avoid litigation. In trial, the jury will be asked to picture the property in its "After Condition" in order to come to a conclusion about benefits or damages. If you allow them to imagine it for themselves, you risk a jury decision based upon incorrect perceptions of the project. Conversely, if you can show them an accurate and realistic picture, you can ensure they "see the project as you do."

Powerlines - Before & After

In this case, the property owner's complaint was that the power lines placed by the utility company prevented the profitable development of the remaining property. Going into trial, the property owner's final statutory demand was for $5.75 million. The final statutory offer from the taking agency was for $2.8 million; essentially half the amount of the demand.

However, once the jury could actually see a project placed on the site, and view the drive-by video footage, they returned a verdict much closer to the taking agency's final statutory offer. The verdict was for $3.057 million - only $257,000 higher than the taking agency's offer. This provided a $2.7 million savings for the taking agency - definitely worth the time and effort spent in creating this visual perspective. Simulated view of property withoutpowerlines

Proposed Apartment Building

This property owner was claiming that the proposed apartment project would cause a decrease in their property value. Using a photo of the current property, we created a realistic visualization of the same property showing how it would appear after the project was built. Following a benefit comparison, a jury decided that the 10x increase in development potential was, in fact, a benefit.

Proposed Freeway Entrance

Often during acquisition, the public agency negotiators are faced with alleviating fears of the property owner, or what we call the "fear of the unknown." Property owners are likely to fear the worst when considering the effects of the project and will react accordingly - claiming big damages and demanding inflated settlements.

In this example, graphics were used to help the property owner accurately visualize the proposal for a new freeway entrance. By showing the After Condition with the freeway onramp as seen from the owner's property, the property owner decided not to file suit.

Proposed Highway Overpass

In this case, graphics were used to help the jury visualize the road's poor accessand dangerousleft turn. A simulated view of the road showing how the proposed project provides safe and con- By providing clear, compelling visual answers to fearful and uncertain issues, you can actually help avoid litigation and facilitate a mutually-agreeable settlement. To succeed, simply stay focused on:

• Removing fear of the unknown by showing accurate and realistic views of the project as it would be seen from the owner's property
• Helping negotiations by showing possible cures and alternate scenarios; minimize negatives
• Providing clear, compelling visual answers to fearful and uncertain issues to help avoid litigation and facilitate a mutually-agreeable settlement