Board authorizes condemnation to secure easements for Mount Olive realignment and Fall Line Trail

On Aug. 11 the Henrico County Board of Supervisors authorized board papers that would permit the county attorney to institute condemnation proceedings if voluntary easement acquisition fails for two infrastructure projects.

Mr. Fritz (real property director) told the board the Mount Olive Avenue realignment requires multiple easements across property at 8800 Trolley Lane owned by the estate of Lloyd and Virginia Jones; an independent title search showed only some heirs could be identified and the county needs clear authority to acquire the required easements. "This board paper authorizes the county attorney to institute and conduct condemnation proceedings in accordance with the code of Virginia," he said. The directors of public works and real property recommended approval and the county manager concurred; the board approved the authorization.

Mr. Fritz also presented a separate board paper authorizing condemnation for right-of-way and easements needed for the Fall Line Trail, Longdale Phase, on property owned by Patriot LLC at 1574 Mountain Road. Based on an independent appraisal the county made an offer of $126,477; staff will continue to seek voluntary acquisition but the board authorized the county to proceed with condemnation if necessary.

Both board papers were approved by voice vote; staff indicated they will continue voluntary-acquisition efforts and that the county will follow statutory procedures if condemnation becomes necessary.