[OKC] FW: Earth Elements Requesting Assistance

[Shauna Lawyer Struby]

Friends and colleagues - 

 

Over the weekend I heard some disturbing news from April Harrington, Earth
Elements Farm, and asked her to send a summary of her difficult situation to
get the word out. As you can see from the summary and timeline below, April
is asking only for fair time extension for her business and fair value for
her property from ODOT.

 

Please consider making a call or sending an email to the names listed in the
email.

 

Direct inquiries, questions, etc. directly to April - her contact
information is at the end of this email. 

 

Thank you for your consideration - 

 

Shauna

 

 

From: April Harrington [mailto:eemb9600 at gmail.com] 
Sent: Sunday, May 30, 2010 9:21 PM
To: sstruby at cox.net
Subject: Earth Elements Requesting Assistance

 

Throughout the twelve years Earth Elements has been a Made in Oklahoma

company, we have learned and grown and created a market niche that helps
farmers receive value for what is normally considered a waste product.
Building relationships and partnerships across the state has helped the
local food industry grow, eliminate farm waste and increased the
availability of locally grown, locally preserved food products.     .
I am writing to you today to help us continue that mission.

I am requesting assistance with the Oklahoma Department of
Transportation(ODOT).
I am requesting a fair time extension and a fair value for the
property acquisition of 9600 Pecan Tree Circle, Lexington, OK 73051,
which is where the Earth Elements Market and Bakery (EEMB) resides.

Currently, ODOT, Robert Blackwell, Manager, Acquisition Branch has
made an acquisition offer of less than the appraised value of the
building and has given us 90 days, as of 5/25/10, to vacate.
I was quite shocked by the offer especially due to the time line.  I
first had contact in November 09 with Ron Brown from ODOT. He sent me
the plans to explain the stakes in my yard.  It was at this time I was
reassured that this was a preparation project that was planned for
2018.

On 2/9/10, I received a letter from a local attorney stating that the
project was planned for 2016.

On 3/9/10, I received a call from Franklin and Associates about
appraising the building.  I once again spoke to someone at ODOT who
told me to stay calm, this was no big deal, that they would work with
me and that the time line was very flexible.

On 3/12/10, the appraiser and a right of way agent came to appraise
the building and brief me on the process. I met with Mistie Browning,
Right of Way Agent, Pinnacle Consulting, where she explained that ODOT
would make me an offer, rebuild my building and move me without my
business being affected. They would do a "turn-key" move and I would
only be closed for one or two days.

This conversation led to a series of questions, where she returned on
4/22/10 to explain why the booklet she left me said that I would have
to rebuild and move my business.
I explained the nature of our seasonal business and how an "in season"
move would effectively leave us without ingredients for up to one year
and affect the farmers from whom we receive produce to process.  I
also had this conversation with Mistie Browning's boss, Donna(?) on
4/7/10.  At this time I was again reassured that moving before the end
of the year should not be a concern.  I also discussed the issues of
obtaining a new construction loan and mortgage for a new structure.  I
was told not to worry, to do business as usual until I received my
offer, then I could receive compensation for looking for new property.

This is a brief summary of the events that have taken place over the
last seven months.

I am requesting any assistance with ODOT. By vacating Earth Elements
without time to rebuild in season, Earth Elements will displace up to
14 workers, financially affect 48 farmers, and shut down 4 additional
businesses that rent the facility.  The economic impact to the rural
community would be harsh.

Fair Time Extension and Just Compensation for the property of Project
2099(05), STPY-114C(112)RW, SSP-114C(114)SS, Cleveland County, Parcel
67 is all we are requesting.

Please contact the below offices and express your concerns for Earth
Elements to receive FAIR TIME and FAIR JUST COMPENSATION.

Help fight to keep Earth Elements preserving local food for our farmers and
community!  

Below is the contact information for offices that may be able to help:

Senate Transportation Committee Chair
Senator Cliff Branan
2300 N. Lincoln Blvd., Rm. 417C
Oklahoma City, OK 73105
(405) 521-5543
branan at oksenate.gov
Executive Assistant: Kathy Lawrence

Oklahoma Department of Transportation
Right-of-Way and Utilities Division
200 NE 21st Street
Oklahoma City, OK 73105
405-521-2651

Mr. Dan B. Overland, Chairman
OK Transportation Commission District 3
1 West Main
Earlsboro, OK 74840
(405) 997-5201


Please let me know if you have any additional questions

Thank you for your assistance
April Harrington
Earth Elements Farm
Earth Elements Market and Bakery, LLC
405-517-3933 cell
405-872-3722  bakery

 

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