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 Skibo Road 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 Skibo Road sidewalk project was presented to City Council at the June 23, 2025 City Council meeting. Funding was made available with locally administered project funds utilizing a grant awarded from Fayetteville Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (FAMPO) Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG) for sidewalk projects. There was a total of five parcels that require the acquisition of permanent and temporary easements for the project. Staff has acquired the easements on four of the parcels. Negotiations have been unsuccessful in acquiring an easement on one of the parcels. The contract for this project is currently under review by NCDOT. Staff is requesting authority to begin the condemnation process on the property to acquire the remaining easement allowing the City to begin the notice period and reduce any potential project delay.
Background:
The Skibo Road sidewalk project includes construction and installation of approximately two miles of new sidewalk along Skibo Road, spanning the full length from Richwood Court to Bragg Boulevard. This improvement effort directly corresponds with 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 $1,600,000.00. 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.
Staff has acquired four out of the five parcels needed to complete the project. Negotiations have been ongoing since February 2026 with no success. An appraisal was completed and staff offered $43,825.00. The owner made a counteroffer of $150,000.00. Because negotiations did not result in an agreement, staff respectfully requests authorization to proceed with the condemnation process to ensure the project can be carried forward to completion.
Issues/Analysis:
• The City needs to acquire permanent and temporary easements on one parcel for the Skibo Road sidewalk project to move forward.
• Staff had an appraisal completed on the requested easements and offered the owner $43,825.00. The owner countered with $150,000.00.
• Staff has acquired easements on four of the five parcels.
• The contract for this project is currently under review by NCDOT and 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 locally administered project funds and a Surface Transportation Block Grant. The estimated cost of construction for this project is approximately $1,600,000.00.
Options:
• Adopt the Resolution declaring Council’s intent to authorize condemnation of the remaining permanent and temporary easements needed for the Skibo Road 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 Skibo Road sidewalk project.
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Attachments:
Resolution Authorizing Condemnation of Skibo Road Project Easements
Skibo Road Sidewalk Map 1408 Skibo Road Map 1
Skibo Road Sidewalk Map 1408 Skibo Road Map 2