Brea : Land Deal Employs Eminent Domain
The City Council will use eminent domain to acquire two parcels needed for the Imperial Highway-State College Boulevard widening project.
By unanimous vote, the council on Tuesday approved to acquire through condemnation 2,674 square feet from Wells Fargo Bank and 2,098 square feet from Unocal. The properties are on opposite corners of Imperial Highway and State College Boulevard.
The two properties will cost the city $247,626 and undetermined escrow expenses, officials said.
In her report to the council, Redevelopment Services Director Sue Georgino said that condemnation was necessary because the city and the property owners have failed to reach a settlement on the price and tenant compensation.
She said Oliver, Barr & Voss, the city’s property acquisition lawyers, will continue to negotiate with the property owners. By taking possession of the properties, however, the city can proceed with the project while the negotiations are going on, she said.
The California Department of Transportation has approved the project that would improve and widen Imperial Highway from Randolph Avenue to the Orange Freeway. This is part of the overall plan to improve the flow of traffic on the Imperial Highway, officials said.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
