City offer to buy easements near Roxbury Elementary would pay $237,160 if signed quickly; board briefed on project impacts

City of La Vergne representatives have proposed a roadway realignment and widening at Walton Road adjacent to Roxbury Elementary, and the district was briefed on the property-area impacts, appraisal basis and the city's offer.

What is proposed: The city is seeking multiple parcels or easements from the district covering permanent slope and utility easements and temporary construction easements. Staff summarized the acreage quoted in the offer (approximately 0.97, 0.35, 0.41 and 1.34 acres across several strips and slope areas). The documented offer presented to the board was $215,595 based on a valuation of $75,000 per acre, plus a $21,005.60 bonus if the district signs within 30 days, for a total potential payment of $237,160.

Engineering and operational impacts: Staff reviewed plan drawings showing areas where roadway curvature will be straightened and the elevation will drop (presented as roughly a 15–17-foot change in grade), meaning utility relocations and temporary access will be required. The presentation described permanent slope easements, drainage easements, utility relocations and the need to maintain service to the school while construction proceeds. Staff said the project is planned to be advertised for bid soon and will be a multi-year construction effort.

Safety and transportation considerations: Board members asked whether the work would worsen or improve sight lines for parents and buses entering/exiting the campus. Engineering staff said straightening the road and lowering some grades should improve sight lines and create more standard intersection geometries; they also noted the plans were designed for a 90-passenger bus and included larger corner radii to accommodate bus turning. Staff emphasized this will be disruptive during construction and will require careful coordination for bus movements and parent traffic.

Next steps: Staff noted detailed appraisal and survey materials are in the packet and that counsel (Mister Reed) has reviewed documents and can respond to legal questions. The board did not take a final vote during this meeting; staff said the project is out for bid and additional action/approval items will come forward per the board—s schedule.