By Emma Longwell, Interning Correspondent for The Apopka Voice
After years of negotiations, the Apopka City Council has voted to proceed with eminent domain to acquire the final piece of property needed for its public safety building. The unanimous decision, made at its March meeting, comes as city officials struggled to reach an agreement with the property owners, who rejected a fair market value offer, according to Mayor Bryan Nelson.
The city has been working to acquire land for the public safety building for several years. Apopka Police Chief Michael McKinley emphasized that securing the remaining property on 7th Street is crucial to completing the long-planned project.
“We’ve tried to work with the owners and their attorney, but they have been unresponsive,” McKinley stated. “Their position was for us to take the eminent domain, as it may offer them tax benefits.”
The City made an offer to purchase the property at fair market value, but the owners demanded a price nearly three times higher than the appraised value. The City had already obtained an appraisal and survey, but an updated appraisal has been requested to reflect any recent changes in property value.
City Attorney Cliff Shepard explained that while the City is making every effort to resolve the matter amicably, the resolution allows them to move forward with eminent domain if necessary.
“We have tried to get them to negotiate with us and get us to where we can reach a contract and avoid litigation,” Shepard said. “We are trying.”
During the meeting, commissioners sought assurances that the city was acting in good faith and not unfairly taking private property. They confirmed that the property owners were given the opportunity to negotiate and that the City has followed proper procedures.
“I just want to be clear that the City is not trying to take their property unjustly,” Commissioner Nadia L. Anderson stated.
Additionally, Shepard noted that more eminent domain resolutions would be expected in upcoming meetings.
The public safety building is expected to enhance emergency response services in Apopka, and city officials are committed to moving forward with construction as soon as possible.
With the resolution now in place, City officials will make one final effort to negotiate with the property owners before initiating eminent domain proceedings. While the City remains hopeful for a voluntary agreement, leaders are prepared to take legal action to ensure the long-awaited public safety building project moves forward. As the process unfolds, residents can expect further discussions on eminent domain for additional city projects in the coming meetings.
Photo by Kayley Hayden (@KayleyHaydenPhotography), Interning Photographer for The Apopka Voice.
