On June 3, 2026, a Jury of Commissioners in the Delaware Superior Court delivered a $4.238 million verdict against DelDOT in a condemnation trial. The land at issue is owned by Leslie Gay Knapp Marini – and was taken by DelDOT in August of 2024 as part of the Minos Conaway Route 1 project. DelDOT’s taking included portions of land once belonging to the fabled Nassau Orchards, near Lewes, Delaware.
Ms. Marini said, following the verdict:
“This land is sacred to me. While nothing will ever replace the memories, I am thrilled to have some measure of justice after these past few years.”
BMF’s trial team was led by John Paradee, one of Delaware’s most accomplished land use attorneys, along with top courtroom litigators Mark Denney and Joe Grubb. DelDOT added outside private counsel to represent the government’s position in the action. In this case, DelDOT appraised the seized land at $2.279 million. Ms. Marini’s team, however, appraised the land at $4.238 million. The jury agreed.
John Paradee said:
“Every inch of this case was hard-fought, but I am honored we could deliver for Ms. Marini,”
Glenn Mandalas, managing partner at Brockstedt Mandalas Federico, added:
“My trust in the unparalleled skill, experience, and dedication of our land use litigation team has never been higher. Despite a growing caseload and stiff competition, John, Mark, and Joe came through for our client’s best interests.”
Copies of any public filings in this matter are available upon request.
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