Bryan County approves large right-of-way purchase and multiple condemnations for Wilma Edwards/US 280 roundabout

The Bryan County Board of Commissioners approved a resolution authorizing the county to acquire fee-simple right-of-way and easement interests for parcels tied to the Wilma Edwards Road/Church of God Road/US 280 roundabout project, including a negotiated purchase and multiple condemnation actions.

Gage, the presenting staff member, described two parcels (tax parcel numbers 0251-049 and 0251-050) owned by TMRP Commercial LLC and TMRP Properties LLC. The county will purchase right-of-way and easement rights on those parcels for $9,610,000. Gage presented the item and then the board approved the resolution authorizing the acquisition.

The board also approved separate acquisitions and condemnations for other parcels on the roundabout project: a payment of $8,500 to acquire fee-simple and easement rights from parcel 0251-021-02 (owners identified as trustees of an irrevocable trust), a declaration of taking for parcel 0251-021 (owned by DKND Ventures LLC) appraised at $69,300, and a condemnation for parcel 0251-047 (owner Blondie Newman) appraised at $5,600.

A commissioner encouraged continued negotiation with DKND Ventures LLC after the board approved the declaration of taking for parcel 0251-021; in reply, county staff said they would "actively . . . work towards a settlement with the owners of this property even after the initiation of condemnation proceedings." The actions taken authorize the county attorney to initiate and maintain condemnation proceedings where necessary.

Each item was voted on separately; the motions carried as recorded in the meeting minutes. The board's approvals allow the county to proceed with the roundabout acquisitions and related right-of-way work.