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Alabama. Despite this division, however, the entire parcel had
an R-1 (residential) zoning classification.
The reports prepared by Young and Dilmore are based upon
the belief of each that it was reasonable to expect that the
zoning classification of the parcel could be changed from
residential to commercial with relatively little difficulty. The
Tidwell and Hearn reports, on the other hand, are premised on
their opinions that such a change in the zoning classification of
parcel A would have been difficult and unlikely.
Respondent maintains as a threshold matter that the location
of parcel A speaks for itself. That is, respondent contends that
the proximity of parcel A to the intersection of I-459 and
Highway 280 is sufficient to establish that highest and best use
of the parcel could not be residential. We do not think that
location alone can be held to be determinative. Rather, we think
that location is merely a factor among the many factors to be
considered.
Respondent also argues that at the time Young and Dilmore
were appraising the trust property, the area in the vicinity of
such property was undergoing an obvious trend toward commercial
development. Respondent maintains that this trend supports the
conclusions reached by Young and Dilmore regarding the likelihood
of a rezoning. There appears to be much validity to this
assertion. The record contains testimony involving the area in
the vicinity of the intersection of Highway 280 and I-459. The
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