Man Accidentally Buys Entire Street for $5K – Now the City Wants It Back

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A Deal That Turned Into a Nightmare

Jason Fauntleroy thought he had landed a great deal when he purchased a vacant lot in Trenton, Ohio, for $5,000 at a Butler County Sheriff’s Office auction three years ago.

However, he quickly discovered he got more than he expected – the purchase included an entire street with several homes on it.

Now, the city of Trenton is trying to take back the street through eminent domain, and Fauntleroy believes he’s not getting a fair deal.

Struggling to Get Answers

Fauntleroy initially planned to build a home on the lot, but after learning the purchase also included the road, he faced unexpected challenges. According to him, city officials have made it difficult to communicate.

“They shut me out,” he told WCPO 9 News. “They blocked my calls. It’s hard to even get through to anybody. It’s been a nightmare.”

How Did This Happen?

When the city started the process of reclaiming the land, they only assessed the value of the vacant lot – not the entire street.

Trenton City Manager Marcos Nichols explained to WCPO News, “I’m not sure how [Fauntleroy’s ownership of the street] occurs other than it was a private drive created through a homeowner’s association.”

Since the homeowner’s association was responsible for maintaining the road, ownership transferred when it was included in the auction sale.

When asked why the entire lot wasn’t considered in the appraisal, Nichols said, “I cannot speak to the appraised value.

Now, the city plans to convert the private drive into a public road, ensuring continued access for the homeowners living there.

Is This Legal?

Eminent domain allows the government to seize private property for public use, but the law requires fair compensation for the owner. However, what qualifies as “just compensation” is often disputed.

Fauntleroy believes he is not being treated fairly. “Don’t just take advantage of someone because they don’t have the means of getting an attorney,” he said.

Ohio’s History with Eminent Domain

This isn’t the first time Ohio has seen controversy over eminent domain. In City of Norwood v. Horney, the Ohio Supreme Court ruled against the city, reinforcing the importance of protecting private property rights.

However, Fauntleroy’s case is unique since it involves turning a private road into a public street. A similar case in 2022 allowed the state to use eminent domain to restore access to the Newark Earthworks’ Octagon Mounds, ruling that the public benefit outweighed private loss.

What Can Fauntleroy Do?

His best option may be to seek help from a legal aid society, which assists low-income individuals with legal representation. If he can get legal support, he may be able to:

  • Push for an independent appraisal of the property
  • Navigate Ohio’s eminent domain laws
  • Hold the city accountable for fair compensation

Fauntleroy remains determined to fight for what he believes is fair, but for now, the battle continues.


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