An ultimatum was given by the U.S. Air Force to the owners of a remote Nevada property. The area is surrounded by a vast bombing range including the super-secret Area 51. Land owners were offered $5.2 million for the property by Thursday, it is said to be government's last best offer or they "will seize it through condemnation."
However, family representatives confirmed they rejected the deal, at least for now. The Las Vegas Review- Journal reported the family refused the offer because "want to keep our property."
Owners include "descendants of a couple who lost their hardscrabble mining enterprise after the Air Force moved in in the 1940s. Nuclear tests then began in 1951, their mine mill mysteriously exploded in 1954 and they ran out of money to seek reparations from the government in 1959," as per the Blaze.
On behalf of about 20 co- owners of the property, Joseph Sheahan, 54 years old is the one leading the fight with his cousin, Barbara Sheahan Manning. Both of them live in Henderson, Nevada.
"What they really want to buy is our property, our access rights and our view," Joseph said.
"We prefer to keep our property, but it's for sale under the right price at the right conditions," Sheahan said. "Why don't they ask themselves what it cost my family over the years in blood, sweat, tears and money?"
Land owners know condemnation proceedings would lead to a "fair market value" and this could end up in court for a long time.
Now, the 400 acres has been surrounded by federal government. The whole area was filled with armed guards and security gateposts, according to Yahoo. Air Force officials though call the matter as part of national security.
As for family members, the site is a symbol of their grandparents and ancestors' blood, sweat and tears.
