Henrico authorizes condemnation proceedings for Tuckahoe Creek Sewer easement after negotiations stall

The Henrico County Board of Supervisors on Oct. 28 authorized the county attorney to begin condemnation proceedings to acquire an easement needed for the Tuckahoe Creek Trunk Sewer Phase 2 project at 12610 Lizfield Way.

County staff presented the board paper identifying the property as parcel ID 7347733097, owned by Ryan and Carla Smith, and said the county's independent appraisal produced an offer of $4,868 for the required interest. Staff told the board voluntary negotiations reached an impasse after the property owners countered at $298,000. "They countered at $298,000," staff said during the presentation.

Mr. Anthony, a county staff member who presented the item, told the board that after the county attorney files a condemnation (eminent domain) proceeding the county obtains rights to access the property for construction, though staff will continue to seek voluntary acquisition. "The board paper authorizes the county attorney to institute and conduct condemnation proceedings in accordance with the Code of Virginia," staff said.

Supervisor Rountree moved to adopt the resolution and Supervisor Cooper seconded; the motion carried without recorded roll-call tallies in the public transcript.

The board paper and staff presentation said the directors of Public Works and Real Property recommend approval and the county manager concurs. Staff also stated the county would continue negotiating for voluntary acquisition even after authorizing condemnation.