BASTROP: Eminent domain threatened
“The city of Bastrop is making a fourth pass at purchasing the Bastrop Advertiser property – calling it a “good faith offer,” but now using the threat of eminent domain to acquire the property.
The city has made “good faith offers” to buy the Advertiser property during the last three years, according to Bastrop City Manager Mike Talbot, with the last one being in December 2013.
According to a Feb. 5 letter sent by Talbot to Cox Media Group (owner of the Advertiser), expanded parking for residents and visitors was cited as the reason the city needs to acquire the property.
“Due to the exceptional growth of the city over the past few years…and in light of TxDOT’s recent notice of changes to Chestnut Avenue…it has become apparent that there is a serious lack of public parking in downtown Bastrop…the city is concerned about traffic congestion, pedestrian activity and public safety…” the letter states.”
Wright, Cyndi. Statesman 19 March 2014.