Winchester Council approves purchases and authorizes eminent domain for North Cameron stormwater project

Winchester City Council on Oct. 22 approved purchase agreements for three properties on North Cameron Street and authorized a quick-take eminent domain action for one parcel so a stormwater and sanitary sewer replacement can proceed.

City Attorney Melissa Michaelson told the council the stormwater work requires deep excavation — “rather deep, 16 feet down” — and that contractors raised safety concerns about three older, occupied structures at 514, 516/516½ and 520/522 North Cameron. Michaelson said the city negotiated purchase of 514 North Cameron and that relocation assistance for tenants will be provided, including reimbursement of reasonable moving expenses and up to $7,200 per tenant for security deposits and similar costs. “So the funds for the purchase of this property in the amount of the fair market value of 175,000, which was negotiated with the owners based on an appraisal that the city had done by an independent appraiser,” Michaelson said.

The council also voted to authorize eminent domain (a “quick take”) for 520 and 522 North Cameron Street so the city can take possession quickly and keep the project on schedule; Michaelson said the city would deposit an appraisal-based amount in court and proceed while the court later determines final compensation. The transcript includes a figure referenced for those parcels ("2,235,100"), which Michaelson cited as the appraisal-based sum the city would place with the court to obtain possession by quick take.

Council discussion focused on several recurring concerns: the need to acquire all three properties for the amended engineering plan to proceed, the timing for closings and quick-take filings, the adequacy of information provided to council members about appraisal methodology and property condition, and project monitoring for blasting or vibration near adjacent buildings. Councilor Windle said she did not feel the council had been given “enough background information” to take an immediate vote and asked why the appraisal or condition reports were not included in the materials. Michaelson responded that the appraisal used comparable sales as part of its methodology and that contracts and closing dates were pending counsel and owner agreements.

Councilors emphasized tenant protections: Michaelson and staff said the city will pay moving costs on a reimbursement basis with receipts, and relocation assistance may be paid either directly to tenants or to their new landlords (for example, first and last month’s rent and security deposit) up to the stated caps.

Motions to approve each resolution were made, seconded and approved by roll call for the three items covering 514 (R2024-28), 520/522 (R2024-29, eminent domain authorization and quick-take funding deposit), and 516/516½ (R2024-32). The council did not receive public testimony during these hearings.

Next steps: staff will proceed with the contracts and, where authorized, file the quick-take documents and deposit appraisal funds in court for the eminent domain parcel so construction work can proceed at the site. Timeline estimates for final court resolution of eminent domain disputes were described as dependent on court scheduling; staff said mediation and court timing could push final valuation hearings into spring 2025 if contested.

Ending: With the three property actions approved, the council moved to the next agenda items and later adjourned the meeting.