Council authorizes condemnation proceedings to secure site for regional stormwater detention

Council debated a proposed regional stormwater detention idea that would repurpose a blighted civic‑pool site into a public detention facility and adjacent park features. Proponents said the site is currently title‑ambiguous and blighted and that condemnation (eminent domain/condemnation) is the straightforward legal route to secure clear title for public use.

After discussion about whether the process should be called "condemnation" or "eminent domain," council voted to start the condemnation process. The proponent described the idea as creating detention credits developers could use and as a way to remove blight while providing regional flood‑control capacity. A motion to begin the condemnation process carried on a voice vote; council scheduled future executive session follow‑up and legal steps.