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Plasterville authorizes eminent domain proceedings to secure right‑of‑way for bike and pedestrian improvements
Summary
Facing stalled negotiations with a private property owner, the council adopted a resolution of necessity April 14 authorizing the city attorney to initiate eminent domain to acquire fee interest and a temporary construction easement at 7485 Green Valley Road for the Plasterville Drive bicycle and pedestrian facilities project.
Plasterville — With negotiations unsuccessful, the City Council on April 14 authorized the city attorney to initiate eminent domain proceedings to acquire property at 7485 Green Valley Road held by Ameras Propane LP to construct sidewalk and bike facilities that will connect the Boys & Girls Club and nearby neighborhoods to the Plasterville Drive corridor.
Staff said the project requires a fee acquisition of approximately 2,356 square feet and a temporary construction easement of about 3,310 square feet along the property's Green Valley Road frontage in order to place curb, gutter and sidewalk behind the curb. The city mailed its first written offer on May 6, 2025, and staff’s right-of-way consultant has continued to attempt negotiated settlement without success.
“An offer of just compensation was made to the property owner as required by Government Code section 7267.2,” staff said. The council adopted a resolution of necessity and instructed the city attorney to proceed with eminent domain only as a last resort; members said the city prefers negotiated settlement but cannot allow lack of response to block the federally funded project.
Why it matters: staff said the sidewalk and bike facilities are necessary to meet federal grant conditions and to provide safe pedestrian and bicycle connections between Armory Drive and the US‑50 undercrossing, including access to nearby community resources such as the Boys & Girls Club.
Outcome: Council passed the resolution authorizing eminent domain (roll call: Carter yes, Clarici yes, Yarro yes, Vice Mayor No no, Mayor Gotberg yes) and directed staff and the city attorney to continue negotiations and to proceed with legal steps if necessary.
