Photo: Nora Carol Photography / Moment / Getty Images
Onondaga County has agreed to pay 91-year-old Azalia King nearly $3 million to vacate her home in Clay to make way for Micron Technology's new semiconductor plant. The Onondaga County Industrial Development Agency (OCIDA) is set to vote on the settlement Thursday (December 11). The deal includes $450,000 for King to move out of her Caughdenoy Road residence and $2.5 million for six acres of land she owns across the street.
The agreement ends a legal battle that began when King received an eviction notice from the county, prompting her to file a lawsuit to block her removal. The property is crucial for Micron's planned multibillion-dollar chipmaking facility, which is expected to create up to 9,000 jobs.
King and her late husband, Glenn, sold their home to the county in 2005 with the condition that they could live there for the rest of their lives. However, the county's recent actions to evict King have been met with criticism from the Clay community, who view it as government overreach. County Executive Ryan McMahon has stated that the project is vital for the region's economic growth.
Once the OCIDA approves the settlement, the eminent domain process and King's lawsuit will conclude, allowing Micron to proceed with its plans. The move-out date for King will be determined after the vote.