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Owasso council authorizes condemnation filing to secure right-of-way for East 96th widening
Summary
Council adopted resolution 2026-02 authorizing condemnation proceedings to acquire right-of-way and a perpetual drainage easement from the Bear Creek Trust for the East 96th Street North widening project after staff said negotiations, including an offer of $31,000, were unsuccessful.
The Owasso City Council approved a resolution authorizing the city to file condemnation proceedings to acquire property needed for the East 96th Street North widening project.
Julie Lombardi told the council the resolution (2026-02) seeks authorization to initiate condemnation to obtain permanent right-of-way and a perpetual drainage easement from the Bear Creek Trust for parcels needed on the widening project that runs roughly from North 134th East Avenue to North 145th East Avenue. Lombardi said staff attempted negotiations and sent an offer of fair market value of $31,000 to the owner but that talks were unsuccessful.
"At this point, staff believes it is the only option to acquire these properties located at 13610 East 94th Street North for the project by condemnation," Lombardi said, adding staff would answer questions and that public works follows a consistent protocol when negotiation fails. Councilors asked whether the condemnation step is typical and staff described the last-resort nature of the action when offers are not accepted or countered.
A councilor moved to approve the resolution and the council voted to authorize the filing of condemnation proceedings as described by staff.
The authorization allows city attorneys and staff to pursue legal steps to acquire the right-of-way and easement so the widening project can proceed; the resolution marks a formal shift from negotiation to litigation or court-mediated acquisition when voluntary acquisition appears stalled.
