Kingsport authorizes condemnation procedure for two utility projects

Kingsport’s Board of Mayor and Aldermen on March 18 approved an ordinance authorizing the city attorney to begin condemnation proceedings if voluntary acquisition of property for two public-works utility projects cannot be secured.

The action covers property interests needed for the Greedy Creek trunk line improvement project and for sanitary sewer extensions associated with the Fuel Crest annexation. The ordinance directs staff to begin the procedural steps that would allow litigation to acquire easements, interests or estates if negotiation does not yield required property interests.

City staff said the measure is precautionary and would be used only if voluntary acquisition fails. The city manager noted that staff have sent correspondence to affected property owners and are in “conversation” with some owners; the ordinance simply enables the city to move forward if necessary. City staff also told the board that condemnation would follow Tennessee law and the court-supervised appraisal and negotiation process, and that the city uses condemnation only for public uses — for example water, sewer, roads or fire stations — not private benefits.

After brief council discussion about appraisals and good-faith negotiations, the board approved the ordinance by voice vote and later confirmed it as passing 6–0.

The ordinance authorizes the city attorney to initiate litigation and fixes the effective date for the ordinance; any specific acquisition still must come back to the board for approval, city staff said.