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McKinney council authorizes eminent‑domain resolution to secure rights for venue project
Summary
Council adopted a resolution authorizing staff to acquire fee simple interests and easements and to pursue eminent‑domain authority if negotiations fail for public improvements needed to support a proposed venue near US‑75 and West El Dorado Parkway; staff said nine properties are involved and negotiations are ongoing.
The council adopted a resolution authorizing the city to acquire property interests and, if necessary, pursue eminent‑domain to secure rights of way and easements needed for public improvements supporting a venue project near US‑75 and West El Dorado Parkway.
Gary Graham, the city's director of engineering, told the council the request covers nine properties and that staff is negotiating with property owners and obtaining appraisals to determine fair market value. "We are negotiating with all the property owners right now," Graham said. He described the standard acquisition process: appraisal, offer, the owner's right to obtain their own appraisal, staff evaluation and a final offer; if no agreement is reached the city would ask the county to appoint special commissioners to determine value in eminent‑domain proceedings.
Graham emphasized that staff negotiates purchases first and would use eminent‑domain authority only as a last resort because of project timing constraints. The council took a roll call vote and the resolution passed. Staff said final acquisition offers will be made based on appraised values and that property owners may accept, counter or provide their own appraisals.
