The plans to extend the South River Greenway to Basic Park cleared a legal hurdle Monday night as Waynesboro City Council members voted unanimously to authorize the city manager to pursue legal action to obtain easements for its construction.
The proposed phase four extension would construct an asphalt path 10 feet in width for public recreational use from Second Street/Bridge Avenue to Basic Park.
A required public hearing was held at the regular City Council meeting, but no one signed up to speak. There was also no discussion on the matter by members of council before the vote.
The 38.2-acre property is owned by Brian Collins, of Alexandria, who rejected an offer from the city to purchase temporary and permanent easements.
“Despite extensive attempts to negotiate the purchase of the needed property, the city has not been able to come to an agreement with the landowner,” Michael Hamp, Waynesboro city manager, told AFP. “Because the matter will ultimately be determined in court, the city has no further comment at this time.”
The resolution directs the city manager to obtain the easements “through one method or another.”
Fair market value of the easements is estimated at $4,100, according to Hamp.
The resolution allows the city to move forward with condemnation proceedings for the easements as the project is deemed as “necessary public use.”
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Crystal Graham
