Bellefontaine City Council has passed ordinances paving the way for the City to reclaim a portion of Henry Street. The city law director called the ordinances, which were passed on first reading only, “statutory prerequisities” as council considers using eminent domain proceedings to acquire a section of Henry Street right-of-way north of Reynolds Avenue.
The law director stated that the city still hopes that an agreement can be reached with Robinson Investments, LTD over the 0.428 acres and temporary work easement at issue. Robinson Investments took possession of the right-of-way in 2002 after the land was abandoned by the City of Bellefontaine. The company also owns much of the land along Henry Street and Reynolds Avenue. The land at issue was appraised at $6,500.00. The City of Bellefontaine has reportedly tried to negotiate a fair price for the street right-of-way, however, a representative of Robinson Investments LTD stated that the company had not received any written offer for the land.
Bellefontaine wishes to obtain the Robinson Investment property following a reported “five-figure offer” made to the city by AcuSport Corp. AcuSport Corp. plans a $12 million expansion which will increase traffic in the area. The increased traffic would require the extension of Henry Street and development of a public street to handle the traffic flow.
Clark, Perdue & List is an Ohio law firm handling Ohio eminent domain cases. Landowners who have property that a governmental entity desires for a public project are entitled to receive fair market compensation for property taken. If you are facing a potential eminent domain proceeding, contact the Ohio eminent domain attorneys at Clark, Perdue & List.