Property owners press Davenport over condemnation notices tied to flood‑mitigation projects
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Summary
At least three business owners and residents testified that they received form letters about possible temporary easements or condemnation with little follow‑up; public‑works staff said condemnation authorization is a routine, early step for federally funded projects and pledged to do more direct outreach and share project plans.
Multiple property and business owners confronted Davenport city staff on Dec. 3 over notices that their property might be affected by right‑of‑way acquisitions and temporary construction easements for forthcoming flood‑mitigation projects.
Director Merrick explained that when construction goes beyond the public right‑of‑way, staff must secure private easements and, where negotiations stall or owners cannot be reached, condemnation authorization is an early procedural step required for federally funded projects and for DOT plan checklists. He said the city’s goal is to reach agreements and that condemnation is a fallback so that projects can proceed to bid if necessary.
Owners of long‑standing local businesses — including Collins Holdings and an auto sales lot near Marquette & 3rd — said they had received letters and little other contact; they described the notices as alarming and asked for specific plans, diagrams and named points of contact. Several speakers said receiving a general letter without a contact person feels 'heavy‑handed' and urged better, earlier personal outreach.
Council members echoed concerns about communication and urged staff to meet property owners immediately after the meeting. Director Merrick and staff agreed to follow up and said they would provide project timelines and coordinate in‑person briefings where feasible.
Why it matters: condemnation and easement acquisitions can materially affect small businesses’ operations, parking and property use; public confidence and timely negotiations can reduce legal costs and construction delays for federally funded infrastructure work.
What’s next: staff said they will meet with affected property owners, provide clearer contact information in letters going forward and return with a timeline and updated outreach plan for council review.