Council approves temporary easement by eminent domain for McKinney Amphitheater sidewalk work

The McKinney City Council on April 7 approved a resolution determining public necessity to acquire a temporary construction easement (0.082 acres) needed to widen the south-side sidewalk on Gateway Boulevard adjacent to the Sheraton Hotel as part of the McKinney Amphitheater Improvements project.

Gary Graham, the city’s director of engineering, told the council the easement request is for a temporary construction area and outlined the standard acquisition process under state law: appraisal to determine fair market value, an initial offer from staff, and the ability for a property owner to submit a counterappraisal before a final offer is made. "This is another, eminent domain request from staff for the venue project," Graham said. He described the county's role in appointing special commissioners if condemnation becomes necessary to set compensation.

Councilman Franklin moved to adopt the resolution and authorize the use of eminent domain if necessary; the motion passed by roll call vote, 7 in favor and 0 against. The motion specifically named the McKinney Gateway Condominium Association Inc. as the record owner and referenced the property description in the ordinance record.

The action permits staff to continue negotiations and to use the statutory eminent-domain process only if an agreement cannot be reached through the appraisal and offer steps. City staff said the easement is temporary and intended to allow construction crews onto the property for sidewalk work and to restore the site following completion.