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Board refuses 4/5 eminent‑domain vote for Bob Jones pathway; directs staff to seek alternatives
Summary
The San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors declined to adopt a resolution of necessity authorizing eminent domain to acquire a small easement on private land for the Bob Jones pathway gap closure, falling short of the four‑fifths threshold; the board unanimously directed staff to pursue alternate options so the $18.25 million state Active Transportation Program grant is not jeopardized.
The San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors on Aug. 20 considered whether to authorize eminent domain to acquire a 1.21‑acre permanent easement and a 1.02‑acre temporary construction easement on property owned by Ray Bunnell to complete the 4.5‑mile Bob Jones pathway connecting San Luis Obispo to South County.
Public Works deputy director John Waddell and project staff described the bob Jones gap closure as a transportation project designed to divert nonmotorized commuters off congested Highway 101 and to provide secondary emergency access for nearby neighborhoods. Staff said more than 80% of the right‑of‑way needed for the alignment already carries existing easements and that the county had made offers of fair market value that the owner rejected.
Kristin Hoonberg, representing the property owner, argued the county’s general plan contains a policy that prohibits using eminent domain to establish trails and that the board should not “do an end run” around that policy. Hoonberg told the board that the owner and nearby residents have long raised concerns about safety, trespass and fire risk and that the environmental review and planning record had accounted for a willingness requirement.
Hundreds of residents and interest groups spoke on both sides. Supporters, including members of Friends of the Bob Jones Trail, local cycling groups and tourism advocates, emphasized safety, climate and economic benefits and the risk of losing an $18.25 million Active Transportation Program (ATP) grant if the county did not move forward. Several speakers said work to date has already used county funds and that failure to deliver now would jeopardize future grant partnerships.
In deliberations supervisors split on whether the public benefits outweighed the private harm. The motion to adopt the resolution of necessity — which requires a four‑fifths vote under state law — received three votes in favor and one against and therefore failed to meet the required supermajority. Following that vote, the board unanimously approved a separate motion directing county staff to return with alternative paths to complete the project and to report back on options aimed at preserving the ATP funding and advancing the corridor without immediate use of eminent domain.
What it means: The Bob Jones pathway remains a high priority for county transportation planners and local advocates, but the board’s action means the county will try to reach a negotiated solution or other approaches rather than immediately condemning private land. Staff said those alternatives may include continued negotiation, design adjustments, local land exchanges, or pursuing additional permits or easements that avoid compulsory acquisition. The board also asked staff to return with a clear timeline and recommendations.
Votes and next steps: The resolution of necessity failed to secure the four‑fifths vote required for condemnation. The board’s unanimously approved direction to staff instructs public works to explore alternatives and report back; staff said the county will pursue negotiations, examine design changes and identify other land‑acquisition strategies while trying to protect the ATP grant timeline.
