Atlanta panel backs land-acquisition powers—with condemnation as a fallback

Atlanta’s Transportation Committee unanimously recommended a substitute ordinance Oct. 14 that would let the city negotiate for property rights needed for Traffic Signal Enhancements–Phase II—and pursue condemnation if those negotiations fail.⁠[1]

The proposed authority reaches beyond signing purchase documents. Ordinance 26-O-1560 would authorize title searches, appraisals, surveys and other acquisition work. If negotiations proved unsuccessful, the mayor and city attorney could pursue condemnation through Georgia’s declaration-of-taking method.⁠[1]

The amended title also expressly includes a right-of-way acquisition contract with the Georgia Department of Transportation for project P.I. 0018033.⁠[1]

Five committee members supported the substitute; two were absent. The draft minutes list the next checkpoint as Oct. 19 at 1 p.m. This was a favorable committee recommendation, not final Council approval, and the record does not establish that any property rights have been acquired or condemnation proceedings begun.⁠[1]