A possible new location for a proposed park will halt current plans to condemn six Mifflin Street properties.
The city had already begun the process of employing their power of eminent domain to acquire the land at the corner of Bassett and Mifflin Street, but landowners in the area have protested the decision. Officials said the city will halt further progress until the viability of the newer, undisclosed location is established.
Ald. Mike Verveer, District 4, said he could not reveal the park’s potential new location because the city has yet to finalize any deal. He did say, however, the location was in an area west of the Capitol.
Downtown park proposed for Mifflin, Bassett may cause building condemnation
Ald. Zach Wood, District 8, said the new land discovery will be a boon for students, the city and landowners who would be affected by the condemnation.
Wood said whatever new location the city is now considering will likely involve land farther away from campus and therefore not have as big an impact on student housing. He said finding a willing seller would also mean the city will be able to build the park in less time and for a lower price.
Wood said the city will save money because the process of condemnation requires a two year legal process.
“We’re going to get a similar product for less, sooner,” Wood said. “That’s a good deal.”
Mifflin landowners, such as Ambassador Apartments owner Ron Fedler, formally protested the condemnation of their property both in writing and in person at city committee hearings.
While the city has noted community objections, Verveer said he believes the tentative decision to change the park’s location would have been made regardless.
“I absolutely want to avoid condemnation, if possible,” Verveer said.”But I am confident the City Council would have supported condemnation despite the objections of two of the owners.”
Verveer said in light of the discovery of the alternative location, it would be premature for the City Council to move forward with condemnation plans. But he said the city will continue with the process should the other location prove unsuitable.
