A three-year

dispute over payment for 1,716 square feet of land has been settled.

A suit filed

in 1998 by the Meeks family stemming from a disputed property appraisal

during condemnation proceedings has ended after an agreement was reached

with the city of Fayetteville.

The land was

condemned to provide for the addition of a right turn lane on Ga. Highway

92 at Ga. Highway 85, across from Eckerd, when a traffic signal was installed

at that intersection, according to City Manager Joe Morton. The family

was not satisfied with the original appraisal and filed a court appeal.

The length

of time taken to resolve the action was due mainly to the regular court

process, which can sometimes be slow, Morton said. "It was just a

disagreement over the value of the property."

After paying

$15,000 in an earlier installment, the city paid $10,000 more to reach

the settlement. The City Council will consider approval of the settlement

at tomorrow night's regular meeting.