Land negotiations topic for meeting
“Urban renewal commissioners are expected to convene a special meeting this week to discuss the acquisition of land needed to accommodate the planned development of a new retail shopping center.
Negotiations with property owners began in August, and in some cases have produced sales contracts with some private individuals. A deal was struck this week with county commissioners to convey publicly owned property as part of a land swap that involves the construction of a new juvenile detention facility.
Discussions with a group of real estate investors that owns about 25 parcels needed for first-phase development have proven more difficult. In order to secure the property if negotiations fail to produce results, city councilors approved a resolution authorizing the Urban Renewal Authority to exercise its power of eminent domain to secure the property needed for the project that is expected to begin by Nov. 15.
“We are hopeful we can avoid that and will be making another offer,” City Attorney Roy Tucker said about the estimated 2 acres within the project area owned now by the Reynolds Group. “But at the same time, we have to be cognizant of our role to move this project forward for the benefit of our citizens and the city.”
Tucker said Reynolds Group principal offered to sell the 190 lots it owns within the urban renewal area to the for $4 a square foot. Urban renewal commissioners, who discussed condemnation as an alternative option during a regular meeting a week ago, rejected that offer in favor of further negotiations.”
Smoot, D.E.. Muskogee Phoenix 28 September 2014.