WINTHROP – Dyer Publications has released “The Taking,” a workbook aimed at helping landowners through the eminent domain process. The book sketches the story of the five-year process of the taking of the Sail Inn Restaurant by the Maine Department of Transportation starting in 2003.

MDOT originally awarded $225,000 for the five-acre parcel and restaurant building, which had survived for 55 years in Prospect on the shores of Penobscot Bay. The final award agreed to by all parties totaled $725,000.

“In eminent domain,” author and publisher Dick Dyer says in the workbook, “it isn’t a matter of whether you are right or wrong (in your challenges), it is whether you can afford to find out. Landowners need to know how the eminent domain process works and what their options are to help level that playing field. That’s what this workbook is designed to do.”

The story details legal, political and public-relations strategies employed in the campaign that included the State Claims Commission evaluation, a Supreme Court review, two mediation sessions and numerous meetings with the parties involved.

“My family never wanted to become a poster child for eminent domain, but we became one,” said Dyer, who is a brother to the landowners.

“The Taking” is available at www.dyerpr.com/publications or www.TheTaking.net; at Amazon.com; and will be available soon at major booksellers nationwide. For more information, call toll-free 1-800-671-1282. “The Taking” retails for $24.95, plus $5 for shipping and handling.

Copy the Story Link