Greensburg considers eminent domain
“Greensburg City Council is expected to vote next month on a proposed ordinance that would give the city solicitor the go-ahead to use eminent domain powers when needed to take properties for the Northmont Flood Protection Project.
Council introduced the proposed measure, which further gives city officials power to negotiate with property owners for easements, during a meeting Monday.
Under the eminent domain portion of the proposal, solicitor Bernard McArdle would be able to turn to the courts to take necessary easements after negotiating a fair price with property owners.
“This is really an enabling ordinance that would allow us to do that if it becomes necessary,” McArdle told council.
City officials expressed hope they won’t need to use eminent domain for the project.
Forty-eight easements, both permanent and temporary, are needed for the work, City Administrator Sue Trout said.
The 2,100-foot project will mostly involve box culverts and concrete channels.
The project will run from Northmont past Kenneth and Beaver streets, then under routes 819 and 119.”
Stiles, Bob. TribLive 14 August 2014.