CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – In what Vice Mayor Brian Pinkston describes to Morning News the culmination of years of negotiation, City Council Monday night approved the eminent domain acquisition of six parcels of property needed for East High and Emmet streetscape projects. Pinkston notes negotiations were happening up to the last minute before Monday night’s consideration, and one property was removed from the agenda after a landowner brought to 20 of 26 with whom a deal was reached. Acquisition of the land for rights-of-way and easements are for what Pinkston says residents want done such as bike lanes, places to walk, as well as drive. He says eminent domain is somewhat unfortunate, but property owners get fair market value based on a number of factors calculated by a consultant in accordance with state law.
Click here for the agenda item Council approved, which was amended taking out one of the properties.