Tallahassee leaders have given up their proposed pursuit of eminent domain to stop a Circle K gas station from going in next to the new Canopy neighborhood.
The City Commission has voted 3 – 2 to end that effort after being told by city attorney Amy Toman that there is no legal justification for it. Under eminent domain, the City would've claimed the property for public need but paid Circle K fair market value for it.
The Circle K is slated to be built at Welaunee Boulevard and Dempsey Mayo Road. Area residents say it will be dangerously close to homes.
City commissioner tried to help. They considered options like trying to buy the land and facilitating a land swap with the company, which threatened to sue over any efforts to stop construction or take the property.
City leaders have unsuccessfully tried various options to convince Circle K to drop their plans. Mayor John Dailey says he will try again to reach a deal.
