Clinton council authorizes eminent‑domain steps for Bluff Boulevard reconstruction

The Clinton City Council on Oct. 28 adopted a resolution authorizing a public‑improvement project to reconstruct Bluff Boulevard between College Avenue and Seventh Avenue North and authorizing the acquisition of property and property interests by use of eminent domain where necessary.

Council member Musman presented the resolution during a public hearing that drew no public testimony. Musman and other council members described the needed rights as three temporary easements and one small permanent parcel — a partial acquisition of roughly 160 square feet — rather than large takings. Musman said the city had contacted property owners and that some acquisitions were required because ownership had changed or an owner could not be reached due to being out of the country.

“It's just the 3 temporary easements and then 1 partial acquisition,” Musman said while explaining the scope to the council. Council members discussed the limited footprint of the acquisition and expressed that the process had been handled cooperatively where possible. The resolution passed on a unanimous roll call vote.

The resolution authorizes staff to proceed with property‑interest acquisitions as needed for the reconstruction; council did not adopt additional acquisition conditions at the Oct. 28 meeting. The council’s action sets the legal framework for acquiring rights and directing project construction steps, subject to any statutory requirements for eminent domain and subsequent appraisals or offers to property owners.