The history
Walgreens is the current tenant of 3204 Williams Drive, and the owner of land needed for a project to improve the intersection.
The city made an offer to Walgreens to purchase the right of way, or the legal right to use a portion of the road, on March 25, 2025. Without receiving a response, the city reached out again about a month ago.
To keep up with the project timeline, the city needs to move forward with acquiring the right of way through eminent domain, said Scott Michael, real estate coordinator for the city.
The update
Georgetown City Council approved the use of eminent domain at its meeting Aug. 12 with a 6-1 vote. District 7 council member Ben Stewart voted against.
About the project
Improvements to the intersection of Williams Drive and Bootys Crossing are a part of a larger project to enhance intersections in the city.
For the Bootys Crossing intersection, specific upgrades include widening the four-lane road to a five-lane divided roadway with a raised median and revised left and right turn lanes. The project will keep a shared-use path for pedestrians and bicycles on both sides.
The city is also undertaking a project that targets a portion of Williams Drive, improving safety and traffic operations from Austin Avenue to Jim Hogg Road.
Enhancements include:
- Raised medians
- Safety lighting
- Intersection improvements
- Signal timing
- Reconfiguring driveways
- Adding turn lanes
- Improvements to bike and pedestrian facilities
What’s next
Following the council’s vote, the next steps for acquiring rights to the land include filing a petition for condemnation, holding a special commissioners hearing and possibly holding a trial if either party objects to the outcome.
