Title
Resolution Authorizing City Attorney to Institute Proceedings to Condemn a Portion of the Property of Greensboro Country Club (incorporated) Located at 3000A Horse Pen Creek Road in Connection with the Horse Pen Creek Road Widening Project
Body
Department: Legal
Council District: 3
Public Hearing: NA
Advertising Date/By: NA
Contact 1 and Phone: Ted Kallam, Engineering Manager, ext 2883
Contact 2 and Phone: John P. Roseboro, Assistant City Attorney, ext 2320
PURPOSE: The City seeks to acquire a Proposed Margin Tract of 25,278 square feet, two Proposed Permanent Slope Easements (PSE) of 1,673 and 716 square feet, two Proposed Temporary Slope Easements of 6,222 and 5,249 square feet, a Proposed Temporary Construction Easement of 7,254 square feet and two Proposed Permanent Drainage Easements of 277 and 218 and a Proposed Permanent Drainage, Maintenance & Utility Easement of 26,929 square feet of the property owned by Greensboro Country Club (incorporated), located at 3000A Horse Pen Creek Road, designated as Parcel # 0217535, in the Morehead Township for the Horse Pen Creek Road Widening 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 $116,540.00 for the property. The value of the property was calculated by an independent appraiser, D. Lynn Cable, Certified General Real Estate Appraiser, A4361, 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 an initial written Offer to Purchase to the property owner(s). PM discussed design and offer via email with the attorney. Property owner’s attorney responded with a final counter offer of $215,000.00. The offer was not accepted. 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 letter giving 30 days notice of the City’s intent to 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 Horse Pen Creek Road Widening Project is needed to relieve the traffic congestion in that specific area. As it stands, the road is a major cut through for the traffic coming from Battleground Road and the surrounding areas. The continued growth in the area has spurred the need for a much wider road with multiple lanes and traffic control devices to be installed. The acquisition necessary for this property is a Proposed Margin Tract of 25,278 square feet, two Proposed Permanent Slope Easements (PSE) of 1,673 and 716 square feet, two Proposed Temporary Slope Easements of 6,222 and 5,249 square feet, a Proposed Temporary Construction Easement of 7,254 square feet and two Proposed Permanent Drainage Easements of 277 and 218 and a Proposed Permanent Drainage, Maintenance & Utility Easement of 26,929 square feet of the property located at 3000A Horse Pen Creek Road. The anticipated date for start of construction is January, 2017, with an anticipated completion date of January, 2019. The property is zoned RS-3, Residential; Use: Golf Course/ Driving Range.
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 471-4502-08.6012, Activity #A14074. The funding comes from the Capital Projects/ 2008 Transportation Bonds account. A minimum of $116,540.00 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 Greensboro Country Club (incorporated) in connection with the Horse Pen Creek Road Widening Project.
COMMITTEE ACTION: This item was referred to Council by the Infrastructure Committee.