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South Hill authorizes rights‑of‑way acquisition for Alpine–Thompson water line; two parcels have unclear ownership
Summary
Council approved a resolution authorizing purchase or, if necessary, eminent‑domain acquisition of rights‑of‑way and easements for the Alpine–Thompson Water Line Project and directed staff to locate two parcels with unclear ownership before acquisition steps proceed.
The South Hill Town Council on March 10 approved a resolution authorizing the acquisition of fee‑simple rights‑of‑way and associated easements for the Alpine–Thompson Water Line Project, authorizing the Town Manager to make bona fide purchase offers and permitting the Town Attorney to petition the court for condemnation if purchase attempts fail.
Director of Municipal Services C.J. Dean presented the resolution and Town Attorney Jesse Bausch told Council two parcels identified for the project have unclear ownership; staff are working to locate property owners. The resolution explicitly cites Virginia Code provisions that allow the Town to exercise eminent domain when purchase is unsuccessful and authorizes the Town to use the "quick take" procedure under Chapter 3 of Title 25.1 of the Code of Virginia.
Councilor Ashley Hardee moved (second: Vice Mayor Gavin Honeycutt) to approve the resolution; the motion carried unanimously. The resolution directs the Town Manager (or designee) to make offers reflecting fair market value and authorizes the Town Attorney to file condemnation petitions if necessary. It also authorizes payment into court should an owner file for payment under Va. Code § 25.1‑310.
Town staff will continue efforts to identify owners of the two parcels and will return to Council with updates; if negotiations fail the Town may proceed with condemnation consistent with state law.
