The Tallahassee City Commission will decide whether to sue for a parcel of land near Railroad Square and Whanish Way.
Eminent domain is a legal term, that basically means a government can purchase a private property for public use. The city has already purchased several properties to make room for the FAMU Way storm water system, which officials say will decrease flooding in the area.
A city spokesperson says under normal circumstances, the city gets at least three estimates for a property’s value, uses the highest one and then pays owners an additional 30 percent for their property, and they note declaring a property as eminent domain is a final resort and one rarely used.
The property is owned by William C. and Patricia Proctor, parents of Leon County Commissioner Bill Proctor. The issue will be before the Tallahassee City Commission at the upcoming meeting.
If the Tallahassee City Commission agrees to pursue the eminent domain lawsuit, the city would cover the cost for the property owners’ attorney. During legal proceedings negotiations could still be going on. If no deal is reached, it would be up to a jury to determine cost.
