The City’s adopted 2024-2028 Capital Improvement Plan includes the Eagle Creek Boulevard and Vierling Drive Intersection Improvement Project, CIF-20-014 in 2024. The project is designed to make safety improvements and provide for increasing traffic levels. Proposed improvements include construction of a multi-lane roundabout, pedestrian improvements, stormwater management, public utility reconstruction and relocation of overhead utilities.

Construction of the improvements require acquisition of easements on private properties outside of the existing right-of-way along the project corridor. A total of 3 parcels will require easement acquisition. City staff and their consultant have made efforts to modify the design to reduce impacts to parcels adjacent to the project. Appraisals were completed in July for all properties and offers were presented in August. The City has agreed to terms with the owners of two of the three parcels.  

The last remaining parcel is located at the southeast corner of Eagle Creek Boulevard and Vierling Drive (3088 Eagle Creek Boulevard). City staff and the consultant continue to work in good faith with the property owner to acquire this easement by direct negotiation. The property owner is currently obtaining an independent appraisal and is largely concerned about compensation for screening loss. Timely easement acquisition is necessary to ensure bidding and construction of the project consistent with the programmed improvements. If timely easement acquisition does not appear possible, staff recommends that the City Council authorize the City Attorney to initiate quick-take condemnation. This process allows the City to take title and possession of the required easements ninety days following a) the required notice to the owner of the intent to possess, and b) payment equal to the approved appraised value. City staff and the consultant will continue efforts to negotiate agreeable settlement before and after the start of the condemnation process.