"We've got to build the Grant Tower. We've got to build it by next year," he said. "If we miss the opportunity, chances are we won't have all these partners lined up again to do this."

But Councilwoman Nancy Saxton was a bit more hesitant.

Her district includes an area that will also be affected by the changes, and while she said she has not heard from any property owners concerned about the plans, she wants to be cautious in using eminent domain.

"I'm probably one that is not a go full-force on condemnation, but I'm willing to do that," she said. "It has a lot to do with what the possibilities are for the businesses."

She added that her sympathy is contingent on "how reasonable the individuals are." She said she doesn't want the city to negotiate with land owners who "jack up" their asking price in response to city offers.

She agreed the Grant Tower project is important and said that eminent domain is not out of the question, if it is necessary.

"I think it's a bad word in everybody's eyes, but it's really buying property at property value and then making it right with the property owners," she said.

The council will hear public comment at its 7 p.m. meeting today in Room 315 in the City & County Building, 451 S. State. The council is also scheduled to hear a briefing from its staff at its work meeting, which is set to begin at 5:30 p.m. in Room 326.

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E-mail: dsmeath@desnews.com