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Centerton moves forward on Allen Road trail planning; council warned some easements may require condemnation
Summary
Council was updated on a proposed 10-foot trail along Allen Road that requires recreation easements from seven properties; staff has secured two easements, is pursuing others (some out of state), has engaged an appraiser and has grant funds for survey and potential condemnation if negotiations fail.
Centerton staff told the council on Oct. 14 that a planned 10-foot trail addition along Allen Road requires recreation easements from seven properties; staff has secured two easements and is continuing negotiations with the remaining owners, some of whom are out of state or difficult to contact. Because negotiations have not yet concluded, staff said it has engaged an appraiser and that grant funds are available to cover survey and condemnation costs if the city cannot obtain voluntary easements.
Staff said condemning an easement would not transfer property title; property owners would retain ownership and the city would take a dedicated recreational easement. The easement area is within a maintained utility/25-foot strip behind the properties, and staff said the work would not remove fencing or materially reduce private yards. The city has already budgeted for appraisal and survey work and said the easements are the last item needed to put the project out for bid.
Council discussion emphasized negotiating in good faith. One councilmember suggested using certified mail and continued outreach before initiating condemnation proceedings; staff said they will continue attempts to contact owners and will report back with a fuller condemnation recommendation, if needed, at a future council meeting.
Why it matters: The Allen Road trail is a public-improvement project intended to extend the city—s trail network; acquiring the easements is required before bidding and construction can proceed. Resolving ownership and compensation for easements will affect schedule and project cost.
Provable details from meeting: staff said they have two easements secured, have engaged an appraiser, have grant funds to cover survey and potential condemnation costs, and estimated the easement compensation would not be large. Staff also noted that city crews already maintain the utility strip where the trail will go, and the easement will formalize access and allow the trail construction to proceed.
Ending: Staff will continue outreach to property owners and return to council if condemnation is necessary; in the meantime the council asked staff to proceed with certified mail attempts and further negotiation.
