TO: Mayor Colvin and Members of City Council
THRU: Lachelle H. Pulliam, City Attorney
FROM: Kecia N. Parker, Real Estate Manager
DATE: August 24, 2026
RE:Title
Adopt Resolution Authorizing Condemnation of Permanent and Temporary Easements on Property Needed for the Morganton Road and South Herndon Street Sidewalk Project
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COUNCIL DISTRICT(S):
Council District(s)
9
b
Relationship To Strategic Plan:
Goal IV: Desirable place to live, work and recreate.
Executive Summary:
The Morganton Road and South Herndon Street sidewalk project was presented to City Council at the September 25, 2023 City Council meeting. Funding was made available with the adoption of the FY24 budget utilizing the GO-Bond funded infrastructure initiative. There was a total of nine parcels that require the acquisition of permanent and temporary easements. Staff has acquired easements on six of the parcels. Negotiations have been unsuccessful in acquiring easements on three of the parcels. Bids have been received for this project as part of the Citywide Sidewalk and Multimodal Projects Phase I and are under review. Staff is requesting authority to begin the condemnation process on the property to acquire the remaining easements allowing the City to begin the notice period and reduce any potential project delay.
Background:
The Morganton Road and South Herndon Street sidewalk project is a voter-approved, GO-Bond funded infrastructure initiative that involves the construction and installation of approximately 1,880 linear feet of new sidewalk along the south side of Morganton Road and on the west side of South Herndon Street, spanning the full length from Great Oaks Drive to Cliffdale Road. This improvement effort directly corresponds to Plan Numbers 29 and 58 identified in the City’s 2018 Pedestrian Plan, which outlined priority corridors where additional pedestrian facilities would substantially benefit mobility, safety, and long-term connectivity throughout the community. The project is intended to create a more continuous, accessible, and pedestrian-friendly route for residents, visitors, and daily commuters who rely on walking as part of their regular transportation needs.
In addition to advancing broader walkability and transportation goals, the estimated cost of construction for this project is approximately $180,000.00. This investment reflects the City’s ongoing commitment to expanding pedestrian safety, enhancing neighborhood accessibility, and improving community infrastructure in a manner consistent with long-range planning objectives identified by the 2018 Pedestrian Plan.
Issues/Analysis:
• The City needs to acquire permanent and temporary easements on three parcels for the Morganton Road and South Herndon Street sidewalk project to move forward.
• Staff has acquired easements on six of the nine parcels.
• Bids have been received for this project as part of the Citywide Sidewalk and Multimodal Projects Phase I project and are under review. Staff is requesting authority to move forward with the condemnation process to acquire the remaining permanent and temporary easements to enable the project to remain on schedule and be completed.
Budget Impact:
The budget for this project has been allocated through the FY24 budget utilizing GO-Bond funding. The estimated cost of construction for this project is approximately $180,000.00.
Options:
• Adopt the Resolution declaring Council’s intent to authorize condemnation of the remaining permanent and temporary easements needed for the Morganton Road and South Herndon Street sidewalk project.
• Deny the request and provide further guidance on the project.
Recommended Action::Recommended Action
Staff recommends that Council adopt the Resolution declaring Council’s intent to authorize condemnation of the remaining permanent and temporary easements needed for the Morganton Road and South Herndon Street sidewalk project.
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Attachments:
Resolution Authorizing Condemnation of Morganton Road and South Herndon Street Sidewalk Project Easements
124 S. Herndon: Morganton Road and South Herndon Sidewalk Easement Map
122 S. Herndon: Morganton Road and South Herndon Sidewalk Easement Map
114 S. Herndon: Morganton Road and South Herndon Sidewalk Easement Map