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Council authorizes eminent‑domain proceedings to secure two parcels for Rommel Road trail project
Summary
St. Cloud council authorized staff to begin eminent‑domain proceedings to acquire two properties needed for the Rommel Road multi‑use trail and trailhead, citing stalled negotiations with a homeowners association and a grant deadline that requires timely property acquisition.
The St. Cloud City Council voted unanimously to authorize staff to pursue eminent‑domain proceedings to acquire two property interests needed for the Rommel Road Trail project, a 1.4‑mile multi‑use trail that will connect to existing sidewalks and regional trail segments.
Deputy City Clerk Abismal Abreu told the council the trail is part of a missing link in the regional system and that one parcel is owned by the Savannah Park Homeowners Association and another requires a temporary construction easement. Abreu said staff has had repeated discussions with the HOA and its attorney but could not secure an agreement; the HOA has not reached the required quorum to transact the sale.
City Attorney Dan Menzares described the process: the city must obtain appraisals, make an offer to the owners, and, if the owner refuses, file eminent‑domain proceedings. He said staff already has appraisals and is prepared to deliver formal notice and pursue condemnation if necessary. The council adopted the motion to authorize the city’s litigation team to begin eminent‑domain actions so the project can proceed without further delay.
Why the city acted now The council was told the project relies on external grant funding with an October 2026 deadline to complete construction. Staff said the city had sought extensions but now needs to secure the parcels to preserve the grant and keep the schedule. Council Member Urban noted the parcel is vacant and argued eminent domain was appropriate for a public‑use trail; council members said the parcels are not homes and that the acquisition is in the public interest.
Project scope and public outreach City staff described the trail as an 8‑foot multi‑use path that will run from Mississippi Avenue to the Equestrian Center, add a trailhead with parking and provide a safe pedestrian and bicycling connection to Chisholm Park and regional routes. Staff said about 18 trees are in the alignment and the project design calls for replanting that vegetation and adding benches and other trail amenities.
Vote and next steps Mayor Christian B. Robertson moved to authorize eminent‑domain proceedings and Council member Colby Urban seconded. The motion passed 5–0. Staff will provide formal notices of intent, tender the appraisal offers to the property owners and, if offers are not accepted, file condemnation actions. The city’s capital projects staff will coordinate acquisition, permitting and construction so the project can meet the grant timeline.
Public comment No members of the public raised opposition during the council’s hearing on eminent domain; several council members and staff emphasized the project’s safety benefits and regional connectivity.
What happens now Staff will proceed with formal written offers based on the appraised amounts; if the owners decline, the city will file eminent‑domain proceedings to acquire the fee interest in the HOA parcel and a temporary construction easement on the other parcel. Council directed staff to coordinate community outreach and mitigation measures for affected neighbors during design and construction.
