Q: Why are you doing this?

A: We were average property owners that were blindsided by a few city officials who wanted our property and were seemingly willing to do anything to keep from paying fair market value.  We learned, too late, of rights that would have protected us from many of the abuses.  We are committed to helping others, like you, locate resources and information to prevent our struggle from occurring again through the future formation of the Private Property Project.

Q: Where does my contribution go?

A: Your financial contribution will make it possible to stave off any future condemnation efforts through eminent domain by increasing the numbers of property "owners" or stakeholders such that it is not financially possible for the city to commence an action.  A portion of your donation will be used to purchase a deeded interest in a portion of the property and your interest in the property will be officially recorded on the deed.   If the city ever tries to condemn the property in the future, it will have to condemn your interest along with the Meeks' remaining interest.

In addition to covering nominal Court and clerical costs associated with recording a new deed, as well as postage fees, your contribution will allow Mark and Regina Meeks an attempt at relieving their enormous legal debt and should pave the way for the creation of the non-profit group Private Property Project.

If you are willing to help with a donation, but do not wish to purchase a deeded interest, the money you donate will be used in the same way.

Q: Where exactly is the property located?

A: The parcel is located at 4632 North Henry Blvd., Stockbridge, GA 30281.  The area is shaded in blue below.

Q: Will I really be a landowner?  Can I do something with the land?

A: Yes, you will be a tenant-in-common owner of the Private Property Memorial Garden, an area forever set aside and observed as a place of fairness in matters of eminent domain and property rights restoration.  You will have free and unlimited access to the garden at anytime.  You and those you invite will be provided an access easement to visit the property.  And you will be free to sell your tenant-in-common interest in the property subject to the terms and conditions of the tenant-in-common agreement.

Q: Will I become responsible for any debts, current or future, insurance or taxes with my contribution and share in the property?

A: No.

Q: Aren't you destroying the value of the land you own by doing this?

A: No, because attempts by the city to condemn the property have already substantially lowered the property value.  The city's decision to surround the property with a giant brick wall only further devalues the property and makes it impossible for the Meeks to ever sell the property at anything approaching a fair market value.  Yet, with your help, and through multiple deeded interests in the land, the Meeks imagine a time when this land becomes one of America's most valuable properties, owned by a limitless number of ordinary people.

Q: What is eminent domain?

A: Eminent domain is the process by which a government can force the sale of land or other real property to the government to better the public good.  Eminent domain is routinely authorized by governments for use in constructing roads, highways, parks, electrical grids and natural gas pipelines.  Our case, however, is truly unique and abusive.

Q: Will I really receive a property share in the mail?

A: Yes.  You will receive representative deed in the mail.  The official deed bearing names of all partners will be recorded at the Henry County, Georgia Courthouse.  You will be described as a tenant-in-common owner of the parcel now being sold at large.

Q: I've seen stories about Stockbridge Florist and Gifts on television and in the newspaper.  Why?

A: After the landmark US Supreme Court Decision in the case of KELO V. NEW LONDON (04-108) 545 U.S. 469 (2005), a news reporter sought to determine whether such an egregious use of eminent domain was possible in the State of Georgia.  The Meeks' case was used as an example in those initial television reports and the Meeks' struggle gained national attention after the couple appeared on national television networks.

Q: Will I need to declare my stake in the property on my tax return?  Am I actually making an investment?

A: No, your share in the parcel is not tax deductible.  It will not generate income to tax.  Your ownership share in the property is not a real estate investment and will have a fixed value of $1.00 in accordance with the tenant-in-common agreement.  You are free to sell your share, at any price you choose, subject to the contractual provisions of the tenant-in common agreement.  This offer does not represent any promised or implied present or future profits, value or income associated with a tenant-in-common ownership of the parcel to be known as “Private Property Memorial Garden.”  This tenant-in-common partnership is being formed for the sole purpose of preserving and maintaining at least one parcel of private property that is protected, as much as it can be, from political abuses of American property owners.  

As we plan the Private Property Project, know that your contribution of $100 or more will make you a founding member.

Q: What if I live outside Georgia?  Can I still buy a share?

A: Absolutely.  And we welcome you to help us realize our dream of forming a national non-profit organization, the Private Property Project, to ensure fairness and equity in all matters surrounding private property rights.

Q: Could eminent domain happen to me?

A: Yes.  Everyone is subject to condemnation through eminent domain.  If you own property, be it a home, business, condominium, boat slip - anything... you are subject to eminent domain.  Consider your property now.  Are there sewers adjacent or beneath?  Are there electrical lines?  Is there a natural gas line?  Are there plans for adjustments to any of these in the future?  Is there a chance the government will want to widen your street and seize some or all of your land?  If you answered yes to any of these questions - and there are many more - you are subject to eminent domain.