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Council authorizes possible acquisition or condemnation of warehouse parcel after questions on valuation
Summary
The council voted to authorize acquisition by negotiation or condemnation of a parcel (Parcel ID 13300013500) for office, warehouse and training uses after members pressed Metro Legal and staff for valuation context; Metro Legal said negotiation is the first route and cited a recent sale at about $23 million.
The Metropolitan Council approved Bill 2026‑14189 authorizing the Metropolitan Government to acquire fee interest in a parcel (Parcel ID 13300013500) by negotiation or condemnation.
Tom Cross of Metro Legal told the council the bill authorizes acquisition by negotiation or combination and that negotiation is always the first route. Council members pressed for valuation details: Cross said the parcel recently sold for about $23 million and that older assessor records listed a valuation near $37 million, so a condemnation process would proceed with a current appraisal and filings that reflect fair market value at the time of litigation.
Council member Evan Siegel and others asked whether the final compensation or award would require additional council approval; Metro Legal said condemnation filings present the government's position on fair market value in court and do not preapprove a payment amount to be signed by the council. Director-level general services staff explained the property could accommodate space needs for several departments and said some departments have CSP funds that could be applied to acquisition if pursued.
The council approved the authorization motion. The action allows Metro to pursue negotiation and, if necessary, condemnation procedures; it does not amount to an immediate purchase or a final spending authorization.
