Committee approves property acquisitions for Farnsworth Boulevard widening project

The Infrastructure Committee voted 5-0 on Sept. 8 to authorize the city to execute real estate purchase agreements for properties needed for the Farnsworth Boulevard widening project, marking the third time the committee has approved funding to complete negotiated acquisitions.
Jason Bauer of the Department of Public Works told the committee negotiations with property owners are complete and that staff are seeking committee authorization to make payments after those negotiations. Bauer said the city previously received council authorization to begin negotiations and has since returned to the Infrastructure Committee in January and March for prior approvals; this meeting sought final payment authorization.
Committee members asked about the negotiation history and whether all property owners had agreed; Bauer confirmed negotiations are complete and that property owners have agreed to the terms. He said responsibilities for removing items such as fences or street lights depend on the individual parcel negotiations and whether the item is being restored to private property.
A committee member moved to approve the real estate contract and another seconded; the committee voted 5–0 to approve.
The committee’s action authorizes the city to complete the acquisitions and proceed with the Farnsworth widening project’s right-of-way assembly; project construction remains subject to the city’s broader capital program and any remaining permitting or funding conditions.