Title
Resolution Authorizing City Attorney to Institute Proceedings to Condemn a Portion of the Properties Helen Machamer and Katherine Kritselis, Located at 315 West Fisher Avenue in Connection With the Downtown Greenway Phase 2E & 3A Project
Body
Department: Legal
Council District: 3
Public Hearing: NA
Advertising Date/By: NA
Contact 1 and Phone: Ted Partrick, Engineering Manager, ext 2308
Contact 2 and Phone: James A. Dickens, Assistant City Attorney, ext 2320
PURPOSE: The City seeks to acquire a Permanent Slope Easement (PSE) of 128 square feet, and a proposed Temporary Construction Easement (TCE) of 421 square feet, of the property owned by Helen MacHamer and Katherine Kritselis, located at 315 W. Fisher Avenue, designated as Parcel # 0000693 in the Morehead/Gilmer Township for the Downtown Greenway Phase 2E & 3A 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(s).
BACKGROUND: PM attempted to negotiate a purchase within the total appraised value of $1,655.00 for the property. The value of the property was calculated by an independent appraiser, Jeffrey A. McKee, Certified General Real Estate Appraiser, A5913, that was contracted by the City to perform the appraisal. The appraiser used generally accepted appraisal methods and calculated the value based upon the nature of the taking and the square footage taken. PM sent a written Offer to Purchase to the property owner(s) on February 7, 2014. PM spoke with the property owner on multiple occasions from January of 2014 to April of 2014 to discuss the design and offer. The property owner rejected this offer. PM made every reasonable effort 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 30-day letter to the owner requesting to purchase the property prior to litigation. 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 Downtown Greenway Phase 2E & 3A Project is for a proposed 4.2 mile multi-use trail appropriate for walking and bicycling and other non-motorized means of transportation or recreation that will loop around downtown Greensboro. It will enhance the urban landscape with a green space that will promote fitness, encourage alternative transportation, and provide connectedness and well-being for our residents and visitors in an aesthetically pleasing environment. The acquisition necessary for this property is a permanent slope easement of 128 square feet and a temporary construction easement of 421 square feet for the property located at 315 W. Fisher Avenue. The anticipated date for start of construction is September, 2014, with an anticipated completion date of April, 2015. The property is zoned O (Office) (Downtown District Overlay, Visual Corridor Overlay).
City staff further recommends that the City Council authorize payment of the estimated amount of the value of the properties 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 properties.
BUDGET IMPACT: The funding for this condemnation is budgeted in Account Number 401-4553-01.6012, Activity #A12130, and this is a grant account for Greenway Phase 2E/3A/C (Project EL-5101 DO), for Land Right of Way. The funding is derived from specifically allocated capital funds for property purchases within the department responsible for the project. A minimum of $1,655.00 will be expended to acquire these properties, 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 properties of Helen MacHamer and Katherine Kritselis in connection with the Downtown Greenway Phase 2E & 3A Project.