City Council Approves Resolution to Start Condemnation Proceedings

City of Harrisonburg

“The City Council approved a resolution to allow the city to use condemnation proceedings, if a settlement is not reached with property owners on Reservoir Street. According to the City Attorney Chris Brown, at least 20 homeowners have not settled with the city…

The land would allow the city to continue the Reservoir Street Improvement Project, which extends from University Boulevard to the East City limits. The project would expand Reservoir Street, from two to four lanes. It would also add a bike lane and a sidewalk… The city will continue its efforts to settle with the remaining land owners. Brown said before starting any proceedings, landowners will be notified about a public hearing in February where they will be allowed to speak about their concerns.

If they can't reach a settlement with the city after that, the city will initiate condemnation proceedings, which are handled in court.”
~Reports Estephany Escobar WHSV – ABC3

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Town considers condemnation for North St. improvements

Town of Orange

“In order to make improvements to a town road, the Orange Town Council may have to pursue condemnation proceedings, something it hasn’t done in at least 19 years. When the Roundhill Meadows housing project was approved in 2011, it included a proffer to construct a new section of North Street running from Radney Road to the southern edge of the Meadows’ property. A proffer was also included to extend the new piece of North Street with the existing North Street, providing alternate access off of Rt. 15 and improving the town’s transportation network.

 

However, the proffer to construct the connector hinges on the town’s ability to obtain the necessary public rights of way and easements from the current owner—something it hasn’t been able to do. According to town attorney Gail Marshall, the town has tried several times since August 2012 to obtain the necessary property from Oakbrook Terrace L.P. She said the property needed for the project consists of 25,299 sq. ft. along the eastern boundary of the property along with a permanent streetscape and utility easement adjacent to the western side of it (7,568 sq. ft.), a permanent drainage easement (596 sq. ft.) and a temporary construction easement that need to be in place for no more than five years depending on construction (8,740 sq. ft.).”

~Writes Gracie Hart Brooks of the Orange County Review

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