Council members ask about Emory Partners sidewalk, sewer reporting and request briefing on eminent domain; city attorney says council approval required

Council members at the City of Englewood’s Aug. 20 mayor–manager meeting raised several land-use and service-delivery questions and requested a council briefing on the eminent-domain process.

Councilmember Wright asked whether a sidewalk will pass through private property at 1300 Oxford as part of the Emory Partners project, whether the city will reimburse property owners for land taken or for moved sprinkler systems, whether an island is planned on Oxford and whether the project will include right-in/right-out vehicle access at the former Sam’s Automotive site. Councilmember Russell asked why residents were being told to call a private contractor, Embry, about sewer-line problems instead of contacting city staff.

A council member asked staff to prepare a formal council request explaining the eminent-domain process and the authority that applies. City Attorney Tamara Niles responded to the group, saying, "Eminent domain does have to come through council. You have to approve it. So, we we don't have any pending eminent domain actions right now. And in fact, the direction we have received from council to date has been, we don't do eminent domain unless we absolutely have to." Niles also said she has not filed an eminent-domain action since becoming city attorney in 2021.

Staff also raised a logistical request related to public engagement on South Broadway: a staff member asked that the Sept. 8 meeting be held in council chambers to accommodate multiple community speakers on that agenda item. Mayor Pro Tem Joe Anderson said that would be acceptable.

Why it matters: questions about property impacts, reimbursement and whom residents are instructed to contact for sewer problems bear on how the city manages development impacts and resident services. A council briefing on eminent domain would clarify the process and the limits of city authority.

What was decided: the meeting produced a staff direction to prepare a council request on eminent domain and an informal agreement to hold the Sept. 8 meeting in council chambers to accommodate public comment. No formal votes or ordinances were taken during the discussion.

What’s next: staff are expected to prepare the requested council request explaining eminent-domain procedures and to confirm the Sept. 8 location in the meeting agenda packet.