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South Burlington council votes to begin eminent‑domain proceedings for right‑of‑way at 1720 Spear Street
Summary
After a Development Review Board denial of a final plat (SD‑26‑1), the city council voted unanimously (4 yes votes; Councilor Andrew recused) to institute eminent‑domain proceedings to acquire a right‑of‑way between Parkside Drive and North Jefferson Road and approved exploring negotiations with the property owner in parallel.
Following the DRB's denial of final plat application SD‑26‑1 for 1720 Spear Street, the council considered whether to initiate eminent‑domain proceedings to acquire the right‑of‑way depicted on the official city map between Parkside Drive and North Jefferson Road.
A councilor moved to "institute proceedings to acquire by eminent domain the right of way depicted on the official map between Parkside Drive and North Jefferson Road and direct city staff to initiate all necessary steps preliminary to the council appointing a time to examine the premises and hear from all persons interested." The motion was seconded and passed unanimously, with the clerk noting the vote was unanimous of the four members present and that Councilor Andrew recused himself from this matter.
The council also approved, in a separate motion, a staff direction to explore active negotiations with the property owner in parallel with eminent‑domain proceedings. Councilors who spoke emphasized a preference for amicable, negotiated resolution where possible; one councilor said the urgency stems from procedural timelines and the city's desire to preserve an opportunity for a planned housing project.
