As part of ongoing negotiations in a proposed real estate deal between the city of Marietta and the Roswell Street Baptist Church, the city had threatened to use eminent domain laws. But after a show of force by the church Wednesday night, city leaders backed off the hardline approach and opted to bring in a mediator. The two sides have been negotiating for years. Church leaders point to a 2005 appraisal saying the land is worth $1.6 million. The city is offering less than $400,000. The church says it has put $14 million worth of improvements into the land and buildings in recent years and tries to be a good neighbor. Easley believes the city is discriminating against his church, because the city has offered more money to other businesses in the area. Thomas, Tony. www.wsbtv.com 14 November 2012.
