SOUTH-CENTRAL : City to Reappraise Disputed Property

A local businessman who rejected a city appraisal of his property, which was claimed by eminent domain five years ago, said he is happy the city has decided to reappraise his land.

The City Council voted Jan. 11 to spend $5,500 to reappraise the property at 3900 S. Western Ave., which was claimed to expand Martin Luther King Jr. Park. The city valued the parcel, which is about half an acre, at $200,000.

Nelson Walker, who owned and operated a pharmacy at the site, said the city’s appraisal was less than half of its market value. He said an independent appraisal valued the building and land at $475,000, and the bank that held the mortgage valued it at $400,000.

“That money would just pay off the mortgage,” Walker said of the city’s $200,000 that the city offered. “But I’m glad they are finally going to make some kind of move. I feel better because I’m going to get some money.”

Bryan Kellog, who represents Walker, said the city has not told him when the reappraisal will be completed. Kenneth Cirlin, the deputy city attorney who is handling the case, could not be reached for comment.

Walker said his business has been put on hold since the city claimed the property: “I don’t have an income.”