Ohio Family’s Second Home Seized by Pigeon Forge City: Eminent Domain Controversy Unfolds

The City of Pigeon Forge in Tennessee recently made a controversial decision to seize the second home of an Ohio family, sparking a heated eminent domain dispute that has captured public attention.

Doug and Mika Race, the heads of the family, documented their battle with Pigeon Forge city officials through a series of videos on YouTube, raising concerns over the city’s expansion plans for the Westside Connector aimed at alleviating traffic on the bustling Parkway.

However, the city’s narrative diverges from the Races’ claims. According to official statements, the property in question, originally acquired by the Races for $306,000 as a rental space, was reevaluated at $489,665. The city offered the family $490,000 for the property, but the Races countered with a significantly higher demand of $3 million, leading to a prolonged negotiation process.

The City of Pigeon Forge alleged that since the Races declined to utilize the property, which could have been rented out for income as per the city’s suggestion, they were left with no choice but to proceed with the seizure under eminent domain laws.

Notably, the plans for the Westside Connector, including the route running through the Races’ property, were endorsed at a pivotal City Commission meeting in November 2021, months before the family purchased the home in Chillicothe, Ohio, in August 2022.

Throughout the process, city officials engaged in discussions with the Races starting from March 2023, attempting to negotiate a fair financial settlement. Despite multiple offers and counteroffers exchanged over 17 months, reaching an agreement proved futile, ultimately leading to the city’s decision to seize the property.