Council discusses condemnation authority for 180th Street/Smoky Point roundabout

Public Works staff asked the council for an ordinance authorizing condemnation authority to complete the 180th Street and Smoky Point Boulevard roundabout after the city acquired property at three of the four corners but is still negotiating with the southwest-corner owner. "We are negotiating with the ... southwest corner property owners," Public Works staff said, adding that the city wants the authority "as a precaution" so it can proceed if talks fail.

Councilors pressed staff on compensation and impacts. When asked whether the budgeted figure on materials reflected an offer, staff confirmed the documents showed a $3.8 million figure but clarified that amount was not the offer. Staff said the city has increased offers “up to 20% above” its baseline in negotiations. On whether construction could proceed without the parcel, staff said, "No. We cannot."

Staff described the likely acquisition as a limited corner take — roughly "a little bit over 1,100 square feet" — and said owners would receive fair market compensation; if the parties cannot agree, a court could decide fair market value. Councilmember Yvonne Gallardo Van Ornam asked whether owners would get fair market value; staff replied, "They get yes. Just the fair market value."

Council members also raised tenant-displacement concerns. Councilmember Nathan Simp said he did not want residents to be displaced and emphasized the importance of traffic-safety benefits for the intersection. Staff said they expected to negotiate a possession-and-use agreement during construction and to continue negotiations before pursuing any condemnation.

The discussion did not include a final council vote on the ordinance; staff asked for authority to proceed with the legal steps if negotiations fail and said they are continuing to negotiate with the property owner. The project was discussed later in the utilities report as being at about 90% design and targeted for advertisement in June.