McKinney council authorizes eminent‑domain resolution to secure right‑of‑way for venue project
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Summary
Council adopted a resolution finding public necessity to acquire fee and easement rights for public improvements related to a planned venue near US‑75 and West El Dorado Parkway; staff said negotiations are underway with nine property owners but asked for the authority because of time constraints.
The McKinney City Council adopted a resolution authorizing the city manager to pursue acquisition of fee and easement rights by eminent domain if necessary to support public improvements for a planned venue project near US‑75 and West El Dorado Parkway.
Gary Graham, director of engineering, said the project requires right‑of‑way acquisitions, temporary construction easements and pedestrian access easements across nine properties. He said staff is negotiating with property owners and that negotiations are progressing but asked council for authority to use eminent domain if a settlement cannot be reached due to project time constraints. Graham described the city's standard acquisition practices: obtaining appraisals, making offers based on fair‑market value, accepting owner appraisals and counteroffers and, only if necessary, proceeding to eminent‑domain proceedings where Collin County special commissioners evaluate the city's request and determine compensation.
Council moved and approved the resolution; a roll‑call vote was recorded and the motion passed. Graham emphasized that staff prefers negotiated settlements and uses eminent domain only as a last resort.
Next steps: staff will continue negotiations, provide appraisals, and return to the council with acquisition updates or seek authority to proceed with eminent‑domain filings if agreements cannot be reached in time for the project schedule.
