Paradise unveils 'ParadiseWorks' land‑coordination plan for right‑of‑way buys linked to major road and trail projects

Town staff laid out a land‑coordination plan — branded internally as the “ParadiseWorks Land Coordination Team” — to manage voluntary easements, temporary construction easements and, only as a last resort, permanent acquisitions for forthcoming capital projects. Staff said the emphasis will be on partnership with property owners and transparent communications as the projects move from design to right‑of‑way work.

Mark Maddox, Public Works Director, and consultants from Docken, Jacobs and Coastland described a pipeline of projects tied to the town’s capital improvement program that may require property access: Pence Road (Pearson to Skyway widening with a center two‑way left turn lane, bike/ped improvements and a signal), Skyway corridor improvements, Neil Road multi‑use pathway and a railroad‑extension roadway project between Edgewood and Clark. Staff estimated roughly $20.5 million in right‑of‑way phase work across roughly a dozen near‑term projects; work includes title reports, appraisals, negotiations and construction easements.

Consultants explained the difference among short‑term permits to enter, temporary construction easements, permanent easements and fee acquisitions, and said most needs will be minor frontage adjustments, drainage easements or temporary access for staging. Staff emphasized a voluntary approach, independent appraisal and fair‑market compensation; they said eminent domain is a legal tool but an option of last resort and would require council approval.

Staff previewed an outreach approach with project flyers, frequently asked questions, field meetings and a single “ParadiseWorks” brand so property owners can recognize official communications. For the Pence Road project staff estimated about 200 fronting parcels could be affected on a corridor that mixes older dedications with parcels lacking modern setbacks. Staff said construction‑related replacement of landscaping, fencing and driveways would be included in project budgets where acquisitions are needed and that most right‑of‑way expenditures are grant‑eligible and would be reimbursed by project funding.

Councilmembers asked whether project designs could be modified to reduce acquisition needs; staff said design exceptions and alternatives can be considered but changes may affect funding and project scope. Officials urged early, in‑person outreach and pledged to record and publish all contact and offers.

Staff did not request an immediate decision but asked for public input and said future parcel‑by‑parcel right‑of‑way offers will come back to council for approval as required by law and funding agreements.