An Indiana homeowner was left outraged after city officials claimed a section of his property for a new roundabout intersection.
Hans Fekkes has lost 15 feet on his land in Indianapolis after construction workers began construction last week.
Fekkes was originally offered $9,500 for the parcel of land, but turned it down, saying he did not agree with the construction.
He has also criticized the city for refusing to add a privacy fence or barrier to prevent car lights from entering his home, which he has described as his “dream home.”
Talking with DESEOTVFekkes said, “They are starting to build without my written approval, until we negotiate some things, a fence or a landscaped shoulder to help with the lights.”
Homeowner Hans Fekkes (pictured) in Indiana is outraged that the city government will take his property for a new roundabout intersection.
Fekkes demonstrated the part of his driveway that the works will lead to the exit.
And he added: ‘This is the part of the cut where they are going to take my driveway from here to the street.
“They have a certain amount of footage that is expropriation, but they needed more than that, and that’s when they had to buy it from me.
“They said this intersection is cheaper than a traffic light, and I sure would like someone to explain that to me.”
Pictured: An overview of the roundabout planned for East 79th Street and Dean Road, which Fekkes said will directly interfere with his property.
The attorney representing Fekkes in his battle against the city says “the land grab is not as big a problem as the way they are building the roundabout.”
Fekkes said trucks working at the intersection crushed his culvert and cost him $20,000 in repairs so far, calling it an “ongoing nightmare.”
The Indianapolis Department of Public Works declined to comment but reiterated its commitment to providing fair compensation based on professional evaluations.
Their message said the city uses “contracted appraisers and court-appointed appraisers, if necessary” to ensure fair and reasonable offers.
Fekkes said trucks working at the intersection crushed his culvert and cost him $20,000 in repairs so far, calling it an “ongoing nightmare.”
A $2 million project is underway to improve the area with a new pedestrian walkway and underground stormwater drainage system.
The project is expected to be completed next summer. A court order was issued to allow the city to move forward with construction.
Mayor Joe Hogsett expressed his belief that the new roundabout will significantly improve traffic flow in a neighborhood plagued by rush hour congestion.
