One of the final puzzle pieces that would connect a Plano trail to another in Far North Dallas may be acquired soon through eminent domain.

Plano City Council on Tuesday voted 6-2 to authorize city staff to invoke eminent domain for a small parcel of land located near the intersection of Ohio Drive and President George Bush Turnpike.

The narrow stretch of land would connect Plano’s portion of Preston Ridge Trail to Dallas’s.

The city has been in negotiations with the owner of the property since 2015, Plano Parks and Recreation Director Robin Reeves said at Tuesday’s meeting. The current operator of the property is a fencing business.

“This is one of the most frequently requested trail connections that we get,” Reeves said. “There is really no good way to connect from Plano south right now with our trail system.”

Once the connection is made, Plano’s portion of the Preston Ridge Trail would run southward through Plano and beyond Belt Line Road in Dallas, Reeves said.

Council member Anthony Ricciardelli said he felt the city should inform the property owner the council would be voting on eminent domain.

“Maybe the result would be different if we sent a letter or made a phone call saying the council is just about to vote on eminent domain," Ricciardelli said. "… I would personally be more comfortable if we tabled this until our April 9 meeting.”

The motion to table the agenda item failed, 2-6.