Council approves easement work and $27,000 set-aside to advance East Line Station Greenway project

Butner 9Town Council approved staff recommendations to begin right-of-way work on the East Line Station Greenway project after receiving a $500,000 state grant and committing a previously approved town match of $288,500.

Town staff reported the engineering consultant completed 60% design and produced an early cost estimate of approximately $948,000; that number may change before bidding. Because the project requires easements from two private property owners along East Line Station Road, staff recommended contracting with Integra Realty Resources for appraisals and Southeastern Land Company for property-negotiation services. Those services are expected to cost less than $12,000. Legal services for the project are reimbursable under the grant up to $15,000. To proceed, council approved a budget amendment to establish $27,000 for appraisals, negotiations and grant-eligible legal services.

Town Manager Jordan said the project is a critical connection and that, if easements can be secured, construction could begin in mid-2027. Council approved the contracts and the budget amendments unanimously.

Next steps: staff will start appraisals and negotiate easements; staff noted that legal costs beyond the reimbursable amount and any litigation would raise additional expenses to council for future consideration.