Developer asks council to back right‑of‑way acquisition for 2400 West; staff directed to pursue acquisition or eminent domain

Owners and project proponents for Southern Dunes told the Hurricane City Council they have completed construction drawings, paid for survey stakes and an appraisal, and have been negotiating in good faith with a landowner for the east‑side right‑of‑way needed to build a paved 32‑foot‑wide standard road to serve multiple developments. The proponents asked the council to authorize staff to continue acquisition negotiations and to be prepared to take formal acquisition steps if voluntary sale does not close.

Proponent Anthony Bocchino described money the developer has spent on survey and appraisal work and said the landowner has been engaged and that a purchase agreement was being drafted. Bocchino said continued delays could force the project back to square one and urged council to signal support for a firm acquisition timeline.

City staff explained the agenda language was for discussion and not a formal eminent‑domain action; council members discussed whether they wanted to direct staff to proceed with acquisition work and contingency planning that could include eminent domain. One council member expressed a preference to avoid eminent domain where possible; others noted eminent‑domain authority is sometimes the necessary tool to deliver a regional transportation corridor.

By motion, council directed staff to move forward with the acquisition process and to take whatever steps are necessary—acquisition negotiations or, if required after exhausting negotiations, eminent‑domain preparation—to secure the corridor and allow construction of 2400 West to proceed. Staff will return with follow‑up and next steps.