S. Ind. airport settles condemnation dispute

NEW ALBANY, Ind. — Officials with a southern Indiana airport have reached a $600,000 settlement with a developer over the disputed condemnation of nearly 19 acres of land.

The Courier-Journal of Louisville, Ky., reports the settlement with developer Jesse Ballew requires the airport to pay $383,885, including land costs and legal and appraisal fees. That’s in addition to $239,300 it already has paid Ballew for 18.8 acres north of the airport.

The deal resolved a dispute on the value of the property, which is near an industrial park developed by Ballew. The airport has taken the property and other land nearby so it can move a road to make room for a 1,500-foot extension of the 5,500 foot main runway.

The agreed judgment was filed in Clark Circuit Court on Jan. 6.