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