Round Rock may use eminent domain to complete downtown parking lot
“Strip by strip, the city has been purchasing land — about $300,000 worth so far — off Lampasas Street behind the Main Street Grill to build the roughly 50-space lot. But the owner of the final piece, a less than 1/10-acre plot currently home to Ben’s Barber Shop, wants more than the city is willing to pay for the property.
By using eminent domain, the city will likely be able to purchase the property closer to the appraised value — about $70,000 — Finance Director Cheryl Delaney said.
“That’s the last strip we’d like to have,” Delaney said.
Officials have said the parking is desperately needed as Round Rock’s downtown — with its new plaza, splash pad and a number of bars and restaurants — continues to become more crowded.
“You’re going to find a lot more activity than we’ve seen before,” Delaney said. “People want to find convenient parking.””
Wermund, Benjamin. Statesman 4 October 2012.