City to file eminent domain suit for small corner parcel to improve sight lines at crash‑prone intersection

The Hot Springs Board of Directors voted May 19 to authorize the city attorney to initiate eminent domain proceedings to acquire a small corner of private property (real property ID 42139, owner Mike G. Lacy) at the intersection of Bair Drive and Malvin Avenue.

City Attorney Albbright and engineer Mike Hill described the parcel as approximately 396 square feet and said it contains a stone wall and vegetation that obstruct sight lines. Albbright said efforts to negotiate a voluntary purchase were unsuccessful and that the city will deposit the appraised value of $4,844 with the Garland County court registry as part of the condemnation filing.

Several nearby residents urged immediate action for safety. "There is no fair market value on anybody's life," said Peggy Maruther, who testified that she has close calls at the corner and feared a serious crash. David Thurman, an adjacent property resident, described near misses caused by fast downhill traffic.

Engineering staff described a plan to shorten and taper the stone wall and clear two small trees to "square up" the corner and improve sight distance; staff said the topography (a downhill approach) will remain but sight lines will be improved. The board approved the directive to pursue eminent domain and deposit the appraised value.