Kingsport board authorizes condemnation filings for two sewer projects to serve planned development

The Board of Mayor and Aldermen authorized staff to file condemnation proceedings to acquire property needed for two sewer projects: the Fieldcrest annexation sanitary sewer and the Reedy Creek trunk line improvement. City staff said efforts to negotiate amicable acquisitions are continuing, but time constraints tied to imminent development made initiating condemnation filings necessary.

Why it matters: Both projects are intended to expand sewer infrastructure to support current and planned residential development. City representatives described the resolutions as a last step taken to ensure the sewer lines can be constructed on schedule; staff stressed they will continue negotiations with property owners up to and after a condemnation petition is filed.

Fieldcrest annexation sanitary sewer: City staff told the board that the resolution would allow the city to file a condemnation petition if negotiations do not result in agreements. The matter covers multiple parcels—identified in the action packet—as eight separate parcels (some owned by the same parties). Staff said the acquisition is time-sensitive because developer construction is already underway and the sewer line must be in place to serve the development’s phases. A city official stated the total development is expected to include about 300 homes in the full build-out. The board voted to authorize the condemnation filing; the motion and second were recorded and the resolution passed without recorded opposition.

Reedy Creek trunk line improvement: The board also authorized condemnation proceedings for a separate Reedy Creek trunk-line relocation and upgrade. Staff explained the existing sewer alignment runs along the creek on the far side from an available work corridor; relocating the trunk line is required because the existing alignment cannot be taken out of service and reconstructed in place. Staff asserted that in one case the property owner had indicated they would request a condemnation petition even if an agreement were reached (a so-called ‘friendly’ condemnation), which means the owner wants the rights adjudicated through the court process. The resolution to authorize condemnation proceedings passed on a recorded motion.

Discussion and staff commitments: City staff and the city attorney (as recorded) said they remain in negotiations with property owners and that attempts at amicable resolution will continue, including the potential to adjust alignments should property development proposals warrant it. City staff also noted that the resolution is procedural and that individual parcel acquisitions, terms and compensation would be handled through the appropriate legal process.

What was said about timing and scope: Board members asked whether this step was the last required action; city staff confirmed that filing the condemnation petition is the final administrative step to enable an order of possession when necessary. Staff emphasized the time-sensitive nature given the pace of construction in Fieldcrest and the need to have sewer infrastructure in place for the projected 300-home development.

Next steps: Staff will continue property-owner negotiations and proceed with filing condemnation petitions as authorized. If agreements are reached before or after filing, staff said the city can adjust course; otherwise, the legal process will resolve ownership and compensation issues before construction proceeds.