Opinion ID: 1310362
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 8

Heading: Physical Taking

Text: The appellants next contend that the City's involvement with both the subdivision and the highway project constituted a physical taking of their properties. We have held that `[o]ne whose property is damaged by the construction of a public improvement by the state or a subdivision thereof, has been damaged for a public use within the meaning of Article I, section 21, of the Constitution.' Strom v. City of Oakland, 255 Neb. at 216, 583 N.W.2d at 316, quoting Baum v. County of Scotts Bluff, 169 Neb. 816, 101 N.W.2d 455 (1960). Thus, the issue is whether there is a question of fact regarding the City's involvement in constructing a public improvement that damaged the appellants' properties. In Steuben v. City of Lincoln, 249 Neb. 270, 543 N.W.2d 161 (1996), homeowners sought compensation after water backed up against a railroad fill with a clogged culvert and flooded their property. The culvert was not owned, installed, or maintained by the city. However, the city had approved plats for development in the surrounding area. We stated that the homeowners had the burden of proving that the city's approval, development, and maintenance of the plats, a local park, and a golf course were the proximate cause of their damages. We then determined that there was no evidence that the city changed or altered a natural waterway, constructed a dam or embankment, or intentionally directed water onto the homeowner's property. Thus, we held that the property was not taken by the city for a public purpose. In the instant case, the only involvement of the City regarding the subdivision was the approval of plats and the issuance of a special use permit. The City was not involved in the construction, development, or maintenance of the subdivision. Rather, the construction, design, and maintenance were carried out by private, third parties. Likewise, the record shows no direct involvement of the City in the construction of the highway. Rather, the contract between the City and the State clearly states that the construction or reconstruction of the highway would be accomplished according to plans and specifications prepared by the State. There is no evidence that the City took part in any of the construction, design, or maintenance of the highway. Under these circumstances, we determine, as a matter of law, that the City has not taken the appellants' properties for a public purpose.