Resident alleges pressure over access; Paragonah board says no eminent-domain plan

A Paragonah resident accused a neighboring landowner of pressuring him to provide access across his property and said the neighbor threatened that the town or county would seize the resident's land if he refused.

The resident (during open discussion) described the exchange this way: "He said that if I don't give him access to town, he's gonna take property. And if the town doesn't take the property, the county will." He asked the board whether anyone had discussed taking his property to create access for a proposed subdivision.

Multiple council members and the planning representative responded that the town had not planned or discussed eminent domain for the property. A planning representative said the earlier preliminary annexation discussions outlined required elements for development — such as access and bringing water to new lots — but did not include any statement that the town would seize private property. The board also noted the county and town have discussed taking responsibility for maintaining certain roads, not seizing private parcels for subdivisions.

Councilors also explained practical constraints that affect any new subdivision, including limited septic permits remaining in the basin for annexation lots and the distinction between utility easements (for power lines) and full access roads required for residential development. Several members urged the resident to identify where he heard the claim so staff can follow up.

The board did not take additional action at this meeting beyond restating there was no plan for eminent domain and advising staff to review maps and county fire-access proposals; members agreed to discuss access and septic-permit constraints with the resident and county staff as needed.

Ending: Board members said they would review maps and county fire-access plans after the meeting and encouraged continued conversation between the resident and staff to clarify the claim's origin and next steps.