West Jordan OKs eminent domain

The West Jordan City Council on Tuesday approved the use of eminent domain to gain easements for an underground storm-drain line.

Unsuccessful negotiations with property owners for easements of 1.39 acres of a vacant, 38-acre parcel at approximately 5650 W. Old Bingham Highway had prompted city staff to recommend the use of eminent domain. That action was put on hold in November after questions were raised about how much effort the city had put into reaching agreement with the property owners.

Mayor Dave Newton said those questions have been addressed. "(The landowners) want us to increase our offer, but we think the offer we've made was fair," he said.

Declaring eminent domain puts the determination of fair-market value in the hands of the court.

The city has commissioned three appraisals and twice has offered appraised value for the easements. The city's most recent appraisal came in at $22,375, according to city documents. An appraisal conducted last month for the eight joint owners of the property came in higher than those commissioned by the city, Newton said.

To run the line as identified in West Jordan's storm-drain master plan, the city is seeking a permanent easement on .68 acres and a temporary easement on .71 acres for construction.

The city plans to open bids and award a construction contract for the project by February. Work is scheduled to begin in March.