Columbus, Georgia

Columbus Consolidated Government

Council Memorandum



TO: Mayor and Councilors DATE: 02/15/2005

THRU: Isaiah Hugley, City Manager

FROM: Richard Bishop, Dep. City Mngr SUBJECT: Condemnation of Property



City Staff is currently in the process of acquiring right of way for two

transportation improvements, St. Mary's Road (from Buena Vista Road to Robin)

and Williams Road (from the interchange to Whitesville Road). Both of these

projects require the purchase of right of way both through total takings and

partial takings.

On the St. Mary's project we have two partial takings that we project will

require condemnation. On one parcel approximately 2,200 feet will be needed

for the road project. The property has been appraised and offers made that are

comparable to other partial takings on this project. Currently, the City and

the Owner are too far apart to reach an agreement. Staff is prepared to make a

final offer, if the final offer is not accepted, we will have to proceed with

condemnation. One additional parcel is needed on the St. Mary's project; this

parcel will also have to go through condemnation because of title discrepancy.

On the Williams Road project, two parcels will need to go through the

condemnation process due to title discrepancy. If other parcels become

continuous, staff will also need to go through condemnation.

Both of these projects are scheduled to start construction this summer if all

issues on right of way are resolved.