Lodi City Council votes to begin eminent domain process for Harney Lane land
“The Lodi City Council hopes a dispute over land needed for the Harney Lane Grade Separation can be solved in a month.
The council voted 4-1 at its Wednesday meeting to begin an eminent domain process to acquire land needed to build an overpass at Harney Lane and the Union Pacific Railroad tracks.
However, a stipulation in Wednesday’s vote prohibits City Attorney Janice Magdich from filing any litigation against two property owners for at least 30 days, while negotiations between the city and the landowners continue.
Councilwoman JoAnne Mounce dissented in the vote, stating a strong opposition to any eminent domain proceedings.
“I don’t like eminent domain,” she said. “I believe we need a willing buyer and a willing seller to come to a negotiation. I can’t support this.””
Bowers, Wes. Lodi News Sentinel 7 August 2014.