Beaufort County mulls use of eminent domain for road connection
“The county wants the land to build a new roadway between Old Miller Road and Lake Point Drive, both of which currently dead-end within the development. The new road would offer a straight shot through the neighborhood and access to Buckwalter Parkway and May River Road.
The county has no choice but to condemn the property, another term for eminent domain, because “exhaustive negotiations” with the landowner have failed.
“After having conducted exhaustive negotiations with the property owners, it is now felt that it will be necessary to use the County’s power of eminent domain to make the acquisition,” according to a county staff report.
Doug Robertson, the original developer of Grande Oaks who owns at least part of the 2,770-feet by 66-feet strip of land in question, said he only learned of the eminent domain proceedings Sunday night when a friend called him.”
Conley, Casey. The Island Packet 18 March 2013.