[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6251190,"mediaKeyId","3196391-dbc32f8302cc1b0b9d4f93504fe26870","parentId",3196391,"title","Commission approves pre-suit settlement for FAMU Way Phase 4 land; tenants ask for relocation help","audioSeconds",460,"startMs",1846000,"endMs",2306000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3196391-dbc32f8302cc1b0b9d4f93504fe26870&start=1846&end=2306","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3196391-dbc32f8302cc1b0b9d4f93504fe26870/thumbnail_1846000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6251190/Tallahassee/Leon-County/Florida/Commission-approves-pre-suit-settlement-for-FAMU-Way-Phase-4-land-tenants-ask-for-relocation-help","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6251190-35df61c72011c3548b13f94682325500/orig.mp4?Expires=1771162069&Signature=h9Uin4GvOJWQ9vCNeThE1zOFqgNm1q2Hm1eOufP0x~HRJymYLalZ0KNYTJacgiGSn5KNMfJ6CVgNpwTQE6TOABqOFcp4kx9hnotWgSKi6MJN3GroJCLQ6K8UxDtXXp33M4vIVzMC83BL7Z24dLs9Vg6wAu8v6TX~1oS9eiqvV3Wa7U8a9nwnGSLKj1EwOAlhUnor-fKJvfsmLQARXk8q4Oyj02PO15Rmkp6pqTcbnHLBlnKDcnUV3B-wWZN8nTupRkhVpihKQ3ZCugsnULv5FovYYQHBCduqTXcrEP23GDreZrNUjKLsLGEV36ahu6XR~OHZH7t8JtH2Dhmvr~jCjQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Tallahassee, FL","date","2025-04-16T00:00:00Z","article","The commission approved staff's recommendation to accept a pre-suit settlement agreement for Parcel 255, a property needed for the FAMU Way Phase 4 project. The vote was unanimous.

Why it matters: The pre-suit settlement clears a path for the city to acquire land needed to complete the FAMU Way corridor improvements, which include a roundabout at the intersection of FAMU Way and Monroe that staff said will better manage traffic flows compared with existing signals. The design shift as a result of the negotiated sale may fully impact a restaurant tenant on the property.

Terms and details: City staff said the seller, 1215 South Adams LLC, agreed to sell the entire parcel for the appraised value of $525,000 plus fees and costs including $73,767 for the seller's attorney and $52,324 for the seller's planner, appraiser and consulting engineer. The Real Estate Committee reviewed and recommended approval.

Tenant concerns and staff response: Q Arnold, who identified himself as representing Big D's Barbecue and as a tenant at 1215 South Adams Street, urged clarity on timelines and relocation options for the business and its roughly 15 subcontractors. Staff said the tenant attended recent design meetings and that the city's project manager (Robert Culverhouse and other staff) would meet with the business owner to discuss timelines and relocation assistance. Engineering staff explained that the roundabout option \"works better than the existing signal\" in traffic models and that adjustments to FAMU Way (a dedicated left-turn lane, other improvements) aim to reduce queueing on Monroe.

Vote and next steps: The commission voted to approve the pre-suit settlement agreement and authorized staff to complete closing costs and related steps. Staff will follow up with the business owner about relocation timing and potential mitigation, and engineering will finalize design extents to confirm whether the building will be fully impacted.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Commission Meeting - April 16, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The City Commission unanimously approved a pre-suit settlement agreement for Parcel 255 to support the FAMU Way Phase 4 project, with staff saying the negotiated sale allows the city to proceed with a planned roundabout and other corridor improvements.","taxTitle","Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida","taxId",38149,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6251197,"City staff says multimodal district spurred infill; commissioners debate sidewalk widths, parking and next steps",2567,2980000,5547000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3196391-dbc32f8302cc1b0b9d4f93504fe26870&start=2980&end=5547","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3196391-dbc32f8302cc1b0b9d4f93504fe26870/thumbnail_2980000.jpg","/articles/6251197/Tallahassee/Leon-County/Florida/City-staff-says-multimodal-district-spurred-infill-commissioners-debate-sidewalk-widths-parking-and-next-steps","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6251197-84ab8487f5212b27e460c5dabef54822/orig.mp4?Expires=1771162069&Signature=T~1R4u0gP8-w-zisvg3G7T7mkzvU6~rV4wHhJg4i2KqIyBuziU~oeWATuhPg~T6cdJiXRH1QuJVPo6l7lDretUSVIUzHHicctFtlZ231dXgv7-c6kdYCEWOCmglGog1m5boyVnCAwBQfQmbS-HIT6XVDGesLAf9XIqudM5Tg4bNV1HrewpEFnYM-vyBexItLYyZFMmzu~w9oTFgpEfTRCDTcTeEF-Z4gBfrsmAUJAdvW-vt-GuzBOz47HwRdjiH6DnGT9kj-PciY2~F6CQi~eNEUTigdZ3g0SCCm5zj~cIMAjQ3GtT1S-5Z4qQq3tF2IBj3OeU6-JtwJPk97HmGcHg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City planning staff presented a lengthy update on the Multimodal Transportation District (MMTD), arguing the overlay has driven infill development and public investments in sidewalks, bike lanes and transit that have concentrated new housing and commercial growth inside the district.

Why it matters: The MMTD governs design standards, sidewalk widths and parking reductions for roughly 18 square miles concentrated near downtown. Staff told commissioners that while the MMTD covers about 18.1 square miles of the city, when state- and public-owned lands are removed the district amounts to about 9.5% of the city's land area; that smaller footprint accounted for the majority of the city's net gains in multifamily housing, commercial square footage and population growth in recent years.

Presentation highlights: Assistant City Manager Wayne Teder and growth management staff summarized regulatory changes adopted after 2009 to encourage infill: reduced stormwater triggers for small redevelopments, reduced parking standards (25'5-75%), removal of downtown parking minimums and design requirements to place buildings to the street, require active frontages, and wider sidewalks on major corridors. Staff also cited investments since 2017: seven miles of upgraded sidewalks, 5.67 miles of new multiuse paths and 6.7 miles of bike lanes.

Commissioner concerns and motion: Commissioners praised the MMTD's record but debated refinements. Commissioner Matlow argued for eliminating parking minimums in the MMTD and asked whether sidewalk widths should be tied to where buildings of greater density are expected rather than to roadway classification. Matlow moved to convene a stakeholder working group (residents, cyclists, businesses and builders) to propose tweaks; Commissioner Porter seconded. Mayor John E. Dailey, Mayor Pro Tem Diane Williams Cox and Commissioner Curtis Richardson opposed the motion and it failed 3-2. The commission did unanimously accept the staff update as an information item.

Public comment and community context: Mike Brezine of the Alliance of Tallahassee Neighborhoods told the commissioners the report overemphasized College Town and urged staff to analyze other drivers of redevelopment (FSU expansion, infrastructure projects) and to examine whether the MMTD standards and comp plan targets had been met.

Takeaway and next steps: Commissioners asked staff to continue implementation and to provide more granular analysis of different subareas within the MMTD. Commissioners also asked staff to return information already requested by the commission and noted existing working groups (Midtown Working Group, Bike-Ped Committee) that are already reviewing aspects of the district. The commission accepted the staff update 5-0; the motion to form a new, separate citizen working group failed.","City staff presented a multi-year review of the Multimodal Transportation District (MMTD), citing concentrated infill in 9.5% of the city and large public investments. Commissioners debated sidewalk width, parking minimums and whether to convene a new citizen working group; a motion to form a new committee failed 3-2.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6251202,"Tallahassee commissioners direct staff to pursue eminent domain options for contested Canopy site amid residents' protests",729,8821000,9550000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3196391-dbc32f8302cc1b0b9d4f93504fe26870&start=8821&end=9550","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3196391-dbc32f8302cc1b0b9d4f93504fe26870/thumbnail_8821000.jpg","/articles/6251202/Tallahassee/Leon-County/Florida/Tallahassee-commissioners-direct-staff-to-pursue-eminent-domain-options-for-contested-Canopy-site-amid-residents-protests","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6251202-030c4a4c1da5f8db272b01da13a3c741/orig.mp4?Expires=1771162069&Signature=OKunJQQoxhLgPFA3j7tiIfpmBZUWvGRkEkpfnILM0xGzP-YcFEFBEvm2nVpAY0iTEBSyYkisQNZo71WiBXxUmrff1MUMWsn2lS~Wa0qnRCwYDyIJDHtV0t8PHjGQLuRltcD7s6zo-0Pjx2ydrUPE3Re4AD3IdxW4YfsovEGmv6o63WtfDDaUV-OsifRNOyqKlZovic9RbVsmWbNhGwr-C0WXXhSxMzq4WwrgPjnMVLNV1L0iE3GDIUIppP0KbS3rc5xcQ7R6VQBoAByKL1SCH-suSNnkeXiPD0OoWP4XRmfTg5BGEdl50u7TKRLzPnKfE2rOzEehwQJx9dSA0YoU1Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Mayor John E. Dailey moved and the commission seconded a motion to return a resolution that would begin the city's eminent domain process for a privately owned parcel in the Canopy neighborhood where a Circle K convenience store and gas station is planned. The commission voted 4-1 to send the matter back to staff for the next step: two appraisals and a formal offer under the threat of condemnation.

Why it matters: Homeowners and neighborhood groups told the commission the proposed fuel station sits about 58'2 from existing backyards and presented health, safety and quality-of-life concerns. Commissioners and the city attorney said the legal standard for eminent domain requires a demonstrable public necessity and that city attorneys consider a court challenge likely and potentially costly.

Commissioners and staff laid out next steps and legal caveats. Mayor John E. Dailey moved \"that we bring back the resolution to move forward with eminent domain on this specific parcel.\" Commissioner Curtis Richardson seconded. After discussion about legal risk and costs, the motion passed 4-1, with Mayor Pro Tem Williams Cox casting the lone dissent. City staff said they would obtain two independent appraisals and make an offer based on those appraisals under the statutory \"threat of condemnation\" before any further action.

City attorney and manager assessments: The city attorney reminded the commission that eminent domain is \"one of the harshest proceedings the law has\" and that a court requires public necessity, not public preference. City staff reported they had surveyed department needs and found no preexisting departmental requirement for the parcel, a factor weighing against an eminent-domain finding. The attorney said, \"in the absence of public purpose, we cannot establish public necessity.\" Staff and counsel told commissioners that pursuing condemnation could trigger substantial legal and expert costs in addition to the final acquisition price.

Public comment: Nine residents and neighborhood representatives spoke against the project during the meeting's public comment period, arguing public health risks, proximity to homes, potential groundwater and sinkhole hazards, and lack of notice during approvals. Speakers urged the commission to use eminent domain or other police powers to stop the development. Among them, a Canopy resident said the neighborhood was \"blindsided\" by the approvals and asked the city to \"stop this insanity.\" A geologist who spoke urged additional site-specific hydrogeologic and sinkhole studies be required as part of any permitting.

What the vote does (for now): The commission's 4-1 vote directed staff to (a) order two appraisals, (b) make an offer under the threat of condemnation, and (c) return a resolution for the commission to consider whether to formally initiate an eminent domain process. It did not itself initiate condemnation or take title to the property.

Outlook and next steps: Staff said the appraisals and the formal offer will be the immediate next step; the city attorney will prepare any subsequent resolution if negotiations fail. Commissioners requested a cost estimate for potential litigation and legal expenses to be supplied before a final condemnation vote. Several commissioners and residents said they also want staff to report back on other tools the city could use to block the use, including zoning changes or permit conditions that would apply to future projects (noting such changes generally do not apply retroactively to active permit applications). The commission's motion to return the item passed 4-1.","After weeks of public opposition, the City Commission voted to return a resolution that would begin eminent domain steps for a Circle K site in the Canopy development. Commissioners also directed staff to obtain two appraisals and make an offer under the threat of condemnation; legal staff warned success in court is uncertain.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6251186,"Commission ratifies $356,000 emergency contract to repair Henderson Road adjacent to North Florida Christian School",55,9592000,9647000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3196391-dbc32f8302cc1b0b9d4f93504fe26870&start=9592&end=9647","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3196391-dbc32f8302cc1b0b9d4f93504fe26870/thumbnail_9592000.jpg","/articles/6251186/Tallahassee/Leon-County/Florida/Commission-ratifies-356000-emergency-contract-to-repair-Henderson-Road-adjacent-to-North-Florida-Christian-School","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6251186-acb37fb698aaf7860fdb44cc8b278299/orig.mp4?Expires=1771162069&Signature=IA76ii7iOep8ZRuuSZZ1pShfovxpPh6zy-YOamL4QNyX2XgmZZXliKdlYP99QltRuRNnOk-otpbDOBybg3BldR5ANbrj4-4UXM4KJAyLWtkERkEJjMtHkNakI06LWpJC8OkwfAYPFuQd2HQ44NtP7ddLj7osIipb8SnvvIuhsaASql-PYd1h4-WV6wUnvqGIRXZx8otC2OBUiFB0slrq7KxZAbwv51GwYql~6dV3pEN9xxkgjVc7y5UzBD-ABtzoqTe-J~PfZ0Khe-dBbqjprsY~VKYwBQCGTw-ooJO2QnMjmwcuiczjyQ~GWCqXUdhtNxjL4fK8515LuSBvyusUvQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City staff sought and the commission ratified an emergency procurement for repairs to Henderson Road, a roadway immediately adjacent to North Florida Christian School that was failing due to a nearby retaining wall.

Why it matters: Staff said the wall failure created an immediate safety and access issue. To prevent continued roadway collapse and protect nearby school access, staff authorized emergency repairs to preserve public safety.

Terms and vote: The manager requested ratification of an emergency contract amounting to $356,000 to perform the emergency repairs; the commission approved the ratification unanimously. Staff said work had already begun to stabilize the roadway and that the contract will cover emergency stabilization and related costs.

Next steps: Staff will complete emergency repair work and report back on final costs and any longer-term capital needs to permanently address the slope/retaining structure.","The commission ratified an emergency purchase for road repairs on Henderson Road after a retaining-wall failure made the roadway unsafe. Staff authorized a $356,000 contract to stabilize the road; the vote was unanimous.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Commission approves pre-suit settlement for FAMU Way Phase 4 land; tenants ask for relocation help

City staff says multimodal district spurred infill; commissioners debate sidewalk widths, parking and next steps

Tallahassee commissioners direct staff to pursue eminent domain options for contested Canopy site amid residents' protests

Commission ratifies $356,000 emergency contract to repair Henderson Road adjacent to North Florida Christian School