Board authorizes condemnation for Route 249 waterline easements after failed negotiations

New Kent County supervisors on Nov. 12 adopted a resolution authorizing condemnation of several temporary and permanent utility and construction easements needed for the Route 249 waterline extension after staff said negotiations with specific owners failed to produce agreements.

Public Utilities staff explained the project is central to the county’s near‑ and long‑term water supply plan and has been under study for about a decade. The presentation summarized negotiations and appraisal history: an early county valuation of $48,423; subsequent appraisals and offers that produced valuations of $56,170 and $59,637; and a landowner‑provided estimate reportedly as high as $275,800. Staff said they had made multiple offers beginning in November 2023 and had exhausted negotiations, prompting the condemnation request as a last resort.

The proposed easements affect eight parcels along the south side of New Kent Highway between Bottoms Bridge and Quentin and would total about 57,607 square feet (about 1.32 acres) of permanent easement plus temporary easements and limited tree clearing. Staff emphasized the condemnation would authorize acquisition of the narrow corridor needed for the waterline while limiting impacts to developable areas; tree clearing and a directional drill under a pond are part of the design.

With no members of the public registered to speak at the hearing, the board adopted Resolution R‑32‑25 R1 to authorize condemnation; supervisors said condemnation is always a last resort and noted the public benefits of completing the waterline to secure county water supply.