Title
Status of easements for the South Atlanta Street waterline replacement
Body
Action Required:
Guidance
Description:
Public Works/Environmental Staff have attempted to gain easements for installation of a replacement waterline. Guidance is sought to evaluate beginning the condemnation process. Property owners who have not signed have expressed a need for payment of a collective amount over $150,000 for the easements, which is not currently available in the project budget. The GEFA grant cannot be used for ROW acquisition. Guidance is needed on funding availability and the use of condemnation as a last resort. A time extension will be required from GEFA if the project extends beyond June 2010.
Comments:
A total of 21 easements are required for the current waterline layout. Fifteen of the 21 easements are secured, comprising over 75% of the property frontage. Several options are being evaluated to secure the balance of the easements. These include making additional appeals to the noncooperative owners, relocating the line to avoid noncooperative properties, offering money, and beginning the condemnation process. Condemnation of easements for water line construction would require property appraisals and mediation prior to transfer of the easement, contrary to acquisition of road right-of-way.