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 Old Wilmington Road Phase II Sidewalk Project
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COUNCIL DISTRICT(S):
Council District(s)
2
b
Relationship To Strategic Plan:
Goal IV: Desirable place to live, work and recreate.
Executive Summary:
The Old Wilmington Road Phase II 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 six parcels that require the acquisition of permanent and temporary easements. Staff has acquired easements on one of the parcels. Negotiations have been unsuccessful in acquiring easements on five 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 Old Wilmington Road Phase II sidewalk project is a voter-approved GO-Bond funded infrastructure initiative that involves the construction and installation of approximately 390 linear feet of new sidewalk along the east side of Old Wilmington Road, filling in gaps in the sidewalk from Fisher Street to Eastern Boulevard. This improvement effort directly corresponds to Plan Number 35 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 $80,000.00. 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 five parcels for the Old Wilmington Road Phase II sidewalk project to move forward.
• Staff has acquired easements on one of the six parcels.
• Bids have been received for this project as part of the Citywide Sidewalk and Multimodal Projects Phase I and under review 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 the FY24 budget utilizing GO-Bond funding. The estimated cost of construction for this project is approximately $80,000.00.
Options:
• Adopt the Resolution declaring Council’s intent to authorize condemnation of the remaining permanent and temporary easements needed for the Old Wilmington Road Phase II 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 Old Wilmington Road Phase II sidewalk project.
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Attachments:
Resolution Authorizing Condemnation of Old Wilmington Road Phase II Sidewalk Project Easements
809 Old Wilmington Road Phase II Easement Map
0.2 Acres Old Wilmington Road Phase II Easement Map
0.02 Acres Old Wilmington Road Phase II Easement Map
0.16 Acres Old Wilmington Road Phase II Easement Map
725 Old Wilmington Road Phase II Easement Map