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Council authorizes eminent-domain steps for two road projects; residents seek tree protection
Summary
Council approved Public Convenience and Necessity resolutions authorizing eminent-domain if needed for utility and roadway easements on the Center Street off‑system project and for the Kyle Parkway/Layman Road extension; council members sought assurances on tree protection and coordination with utility providers.
The Kyle City Council on March 3 authorized staff to pursue property interests — including easements and, if needed, eminent-domain — for two bond-funded road projects.
What passed - Center Street off-system project: Council approved a resolution finding public convenience and necessity for acquiring a small public‑utility easement tied to burying utility infrastructure as part of widening and installing sidewalks and the planned corridor improvements. Staff told council the easement, parcel 88 UE, covers a fractional area needed for pedestals and buried lines; the vote (4–3) included questions about protecting large, mature trees on privately held property. - Kyle Parkway / Layman Road extension: Council approved a resolution authorizing acquisition of roughly 0.07–0.11 acre parcels, drainage/utility easements and temporary construction easements for the Layman extension and associated roundabout/roadway work.
Council concerns and safeguards Deputy city manager Amber Snites and city engineers noted the acquisitions were required to accommodate road geometry, drainage ponds and underground utility alignments developed with PEC. Council members asked how tree protection measures and underground boring plans would preserve specimen trees; staff said they would require tree-protection measures and coordinate construction methodologies to minimize root damage.
Legal context Outside real‑estate counsel told council some negotiations with owners had reached an impasse and that some title/ownership complexities may require court resolution if the city proceeds to condemnation; council approval authorizes staff to begin eminent-domain only when negotiation fails.
Ending Council-approved PCN resolutions allow staff to continue negotiations and — if necessary — seek court authority to acquire the property interests needed to deliver the projects. Members said they expect staff to document tree‑protection practices and to continue outreach with property owners.
