06/25/13 The 7th Road Project which will connect North Michigan Road to the new US 31 Corridor project has been a “big thing on my mind,” according to County Attorney Jim Clevenger.
Clevenger told the commissioners at their meeting last week. Land acquisition have been moving along but hit a bump in the road with parcel owner three and four changing their minds before signing the written agreements. The county’s consultants have requested moving forward with condemnation law suits.
The County filed a condemnation suit against the owners of parcel one that also includes a billboard sign. On June 5th the court approved the appropriation. At that hearing, counsel for Vanadco was waiting on a reply from counsel from Perma Advertising as all parties were close to an agreement that could resolve the matter. Clevenger said there have been some additional negotiations and that they are continuing to negotiate with them.
The County filed a condemnation suit for parcel 2, the ITAMCO right-of-way and a hearing is scheduled for June 26th. Council for the landowner has alleged “no good faith negotiations” prior to filing the proceedings.
The project is scheduled to go to bid late summer or early fall with construction to begin yet this year if the weather cooperates.
