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City Council approves resolutions of necessity to begin eminent domain for LAX modernization
Summary
The City Council voted to adopt ordinances authorizing eminent domain proceedings for multiple properties needed for the LAX Airfield and Terminal Modernization Project after a public hearing and presentations from LAWA and affected property owners.
The Los Angeles City Council on Wednesday approved ordinances authorizing eminent domain proceedings for properties needed for the LAX Airfield and Terminal Modernization Project (ATMP), adopting the resolutions of necessity by a recorded vote of 14 ayes.
Los Angeles World Airports’ Government Affairs Director Mark Adams told the council the acquisitions are needed to support roadway improvements and other work tied to ATMP and that LAWA pursued voluntary purchase offers before bringing the matter to the council. "These ordinances do not address disagreements over compensation," Adams said, "and settlements remain possible, but adoption allows staff to pursue the next legal step of the condemnation process."
The Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD) and private property owners urged further negotiation. Lee Sada, LACCD’s chief facilities executive, said a proposed partial taking of the district’s 9700 South Sepulveda Boulevard site would leave the campus “with the equivalent of a hole in the middle of a donut” and urged LAWA to pursue a full acquisition to avoid operational disruption and lost lease revenue. Attorney Adam Sigler, representing co-owners of 9600 Sepulveda, said his clients objected to the resolution of necessity on procedural grounds and requested more time to resolve alternatives to partial takings.
Council members heard that LAWA provided written offers and appraisal summaries and that notices for the hearing were mailed to property owners. The city attorney’s office explained that the findings required for a resolution of necessity focus on public interest and whether the project is planned and located to maximize public good and minimize private injury. Adoption of the ordinances requires a two-thirds affirmative vote; the council recorded 14 ayes.
The council’s action authorizes LAWA and the city to commence condemnation proceedings if agreements are not reached; it does not set compensation. Council members who asked questions were told negotiations on fair market value would continue and that settlement remains possible prior to trial.
The measure moves the ATMP property acquisitions forward while leaving compensation and any final agreements to be resolved through further negotiation or litigation.
