Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Land Use Condemnation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council authorizes quick‑take powers for Blenheim Boulevard multimodal project
Summary
After a staff presentation and no public speakers, council adopted a resolution authorizing exercise of quick‑take condemnation powers for certain rights‑of‑way and easements needed for the Blenheim Boulevard multimodal improvements project (UPC 107013), amended to delete two parcels and correct owner spellings; council emphasized continued negotiation with owners.
Fairfax City Council adopted a resolution on June 24 authorizing the city to exercise quick‑take powers and, if necessary, initiate condemnation proceedings to acquire fee simple rights‑of‑way and easements for the Blenheim Boulevard multimodal improvements project (UPC 107013).
City Attorney Brian Lopkaman and staff reviewed the work‑session background and said the city had made good‑faith offers to affected property owners and was continuing negotiations. Lopkaman noted the resolution originally listed 12 properties; staff had reached agreements with two owners since drafting and proposed deleting Parcels 004 and 047 from the final resolution. Councilmember Hardy Chandler moved to adopt the staff‑presented resolution with those amendments; the motion passed unanimously on roll call.
No members of the public signed up to speak during the public hearing. The city attorney reiterated a preference to resolve acquisitions by agreement rather than by condemnation, and staff said some parcels remained unresolved because owners were out of the area or association voting requirements complicated negotiation.
What’s next: Staff will finalize the revised resolution for signature, continue negotiations with property owners, and proceed with acquisition steps as needed for project schedule adherence.
