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prospective commercial developer would experience friction in
attempting a rezoning. Accordingly, the asserted difficulties in
gaining access to parcel A do not persuade us that the highest
and best use of the parcel is other than commercial in nature.
Other factors involved in this dispute with respect to
parcel A include its size, shape, available utilities, and
topography. Perhaps the most significant of these factors
involves the topography of parcel A. This Court, accompanied by
counsel for both parties, conducted a viewing of parcel A.
Petitioner contends that the steep slopes and extensive rock
throughout the parcel effectively preclude development of the
parcel commercially for profit. Respondent, on the other hand,
recognizes that the slopes and rock impose barriers to commercial
development, but contends that such barriers do not make
commercial development physically impossible. Considering our
viewing of the property, we are inclined to agree with
respondent. We recognize that the terrain of parcel A may, in
fact, prevent various types of commercial development projects,
but we are not persuaded by petitioner’s argument that parcel A
cannot be developed commercially for profit under any
circumstance. Instead, we think the development costs elaborated
upon by many of petitioner’s experts can and should be accounted
for during the valuation process.
Petitioner also cites the irregular shape and size of parcel
A as contributing to its conclusion that its highest and best use
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