Title
Resolution Authorizing City Attorney to Institute Proceedings to Condemn a Portion of the Property of New Tabernacle Soul Saving Station in Christ, Inc. Located at 2537 and 2539 Pear Street in Connection with the Pear Street Sidewalk Project
Body
Department: Legal
Council District: 1
Public Hearing: NA
Advertising Date/By: NA
Contact 1 and Phone: Jim Hoffman, Interim City Attorney, ext. 2320
Contact 2 and Phone: John P. Roseboro, Deputy City Attorney, ext. 2320
PURPOSE: The City seeks to acquire two Proposed Temporary Construction Easements (TCEs) of 125 and 251 square feet of the property owned by New Tabernacle Soul Saving Station in Christ, Inc. located at 2537 and 2539 Pear Street, designated as Parcel Nos. 0023104 and 0023105 in the Morehead/Gilmer Township for the Pear Street Sidewalk Project. The Property Management Section of the Engineering and Inspections Department (PM) requests Council to authorize the initiation of condemnation proceedings because it has been unable to negotiate a purchase price with the property owner.
BACKGROUND: PM attempted to negotiate a purchase within the total appraised value of $125.00 for the property. The appraised value was based property tax value. PM sent an initial written Offer to Purchase to the property owner on April 10, 2018. PM made several attempts to purchase the property within the appraised amount, but its efforts were not successful. Therefore, PM recommends that the City Council adopt a resolution authorizing the City Attorney to institute proceedings to condemn the required property. Following City Council’s approval, the Legal Department will send a letter to the owner giving him at least thirty (30) days’ notice of the City’s intent to file an eminent domain lawsuit. After the lawsuit is filed and discovery is completed, a mediation or Commissioner’s Hearing, or both, are held to try to resolve the matter with the property owner before trial. Additionally, the parties are free to continue negotiations through the date of trial.
The Pear Street Sidewalk Project is to provide pedestrians with a safe walking route along Pear Street, connecting existing sidewalks along Ardmore Street to Gate City Boulevard and Gateway Gardens.
The acquisition necessary for this property is two Proposed Temporary Construction Easements (TCEs) of 125 and 251 square feet for the property located at 2537 and 2539 Pear Street.
The anticipated date for start of construction is August, 2020, with an anticipated completion date of December, 2020. The property is zoned R-5 (Residential Single-Family 5).
City staff further recommends that the City Council authorize payment of the estimated amount of the value of the property to the Clerk of Superior Court for disbursement to the owner. This will allow the City to take possession, which is required before work for this Project can commence on the property.
BUDGET IMPACT: The funding for this eminent domain action is budgeted in Account Number 471-4502-15.6012 Activity #A 11171. A minimum of $125.00 will be expended to acquire this property, in addition to any litigation costs and/or settlement agreements.
RECOMMENDATION / ACTION REQUESTED: City Council approval of a resolution authorizing the City Attorney to institute proceedings to condemn a portion of the property of New Tabernacle Soul Saving Station in Christ, Inc. in connection with the Pear Street Sidewalk Project.