Purcellville council authorizes eminent domain for 32nd Street/Main Street safety project

The Purcellville Town Council voted unanimously July 22 to approve Resolution 25-07-03, finding public use and necessity and authorizing acquisition, including by condemnation if necessary, for the 32nd Street and Main Street intersection improvements.

Jessica Keller, the staff project lead, told the council the project — funded through VDOT revenue sharing — is fully designed and will add sidewalks, crosswalks, curb and gutter, storm drainage and pavement markings. Keller said negotiations are complete on two of six required parcels but the parcel at 610 West Main Street (PIN 488‑35‑1030‑000) has been unresponsive despite frequent outreach and retaining legal counsel. "Starting the condemnation process does not prohibit further negotiations," Keller said, adding staff will send a notice of intent to file that gives the owner roughly 45 days to respond.

Council members asked about the amount of property needed; Keller said the town requires about 1,400 square feet of right‑of‑way — roughly a five‑foot sidewalk width along the frontage and a small area on Main Street — and clarified the easements are limited to the sidewalk and associated grading, not the full parcel. After a brief public hearing and a procedural suspension of the rules to allow same‑night action, the council approved the resolution. The motion to approve the resolution was made and seconded and recorded as an affirmative vote by the members present.

The council closed the public hearing and authorized the mayor to take steps to acquire the necessary rights, while officials said they will continue to seek a mutually acceptable agreement with the property owner if possible.