Eminent domain is the legal process allowing the city to take private property for a public project, as long as the landowner is paid fair compensation.
Long story short
In the first project, the city will acquire about 2.5 acres needed for right of way and drainage improvements along the East Pflugerville Parkway. This will be used to widen the road between Colorado Sand Drive and Weiss Lane.
The city reported that it has been negotiating with the landowner, Timmerman & Hagn Ltd., since early this year, with the initial offer mailed Jan. 31, followed by a final offer on Aug. 25. That offer expired Sept. 8, and staff recommended the use of eminent domain on Sept. 10, after negotiations reached an impasse.
In a separate vote, the council approved eminent domain proceedings for easements tied to the Gilleland Creek Wastewater Interceptor Project, which will expand an existing 12-inch sewer line to an 18-inch interceptor.
For the affected parcel owned by Acer Equities I, LLC, the city reported that the initial offer was mailed July 15, and staff recommended eminent domain on Sept. 25 following expiration of offers.
Both approvals grant the city manager and city attorney the authority to initiate condemnation proceedings, allowing road and utility upgrades to continue as scheduled.
