By A.J. Hazarabedian
San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors took the next step towards acquiring parcels for Nipomo’s Willow Road interchange project on Tuesday. As discussed in the Santa Maria Times article, “Board OKs use of eminent domain,” the board voted to adopt resolutions of necessity to acquire three parcels of land.
The article states, “because of time constraints, county staff told the supervisors it was necessary to start eminent domain proceedings in case ongoing negotiations with the property owners who have yet to settle fail.”
Eminent domain is the power of local, state or federal government agencies to take private property for “public use” so long as the government pays “just compensation.” The government can exercise its power of eminent domain even if the owner does not wish to sell his or her property.
Construction for this project is expected to begin winter 2011.