Atlanta seeks easements for pedestrian signal project, with condemnation as a fallback

Atlanta has proposed acquiring easements, rights of way and other property interests needed for pedestrian improvements in its Traffic Signal Enhancements Phase II project. An ordinance on the Sept. 30 Transportation Committee agenda would authorize negotiations and, if those fail, condemnation proceedings; it does not itself establish that property has been taken.

Parcel descriptions identify property interests along Ralph D. Abernathy Boulevard SW, Georgia Avenue SE, McDaniel Street SW and Atlanta Avenue SE. The ordinance would also waive some acquisition procedures, including a requirement to provide all legal descriptions in the ordinance, allowing the city to determine them by survey.