Fruita council authorizes eminent-domain proceedings for portions of 19 Road amid public opposition

Fruita — The Fruita City Council on Jan. 21 voted 5-0 to authorize staff to start eminent-domain proceedings in court to acquire narrow strips of private property needed to finish the 19 Road reconstruction project.

The council approved two separate resolutions — Resolution 2025-05 to acquire right of way at a parcel commonly referred to as 966 19 Road and Resolution 2025-06 for a parcel at 993 19 Road — after city planners and the project manager summarized months of negotiations, appraisals and notices and explained why staff recommends court action.

The issue matters because the 19 Road project is a multi‑phase safety and circulation improvement tied to the city’s circulation plan, CDOT coordination and local development. City staff said the pieces of land sought are relatively small but necessary to place the roadway, utilities and storm infrastructure where engineers have designed them.

“Very common cities establish circulation plans … this sets forth a way that we can … not deviate from what sections of right of way and what road classifications get built,” said Dan Karas, the city’s planning and development director, describing why the corridor standard was set and why the city is pursuing the project now. Project manager Steve Martinez explained the right‑of‑way acquisition steps, including surveys, title research, appraisals and offers, and said the city followed the statutory process for notices and appraisal opportunities.

Public commenters urged the council to reconsider widening 19 Road. Sarah Bolton, who identified herself as a Fruita resident and petition organizer, told council she brought a petition with more than 1,700 signatures opposing “19 road expansion projects.” “These aren’t just numbers. They’re members of our community … At what point will you listen? Instead of pushing forward against the will of Fruita citizens, I urge you to pause, reconsider,” Bolton said.

Property owner Shelby Beto, who lives in unincorporated Mesa County on 19 Road, told council she and other neighbors believe the road is misclassified and that the city’s designation has driven the scope of the project. “19 Road is not classified as a major arterial like you have it, but only as a minor…