BACKGROUND:
The Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Savannah approved and entered into a Right-of-Way Acquisition Contract with the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) on August 17, 2017 for improvements to Delesseps Avenue and LaRoche Avenues between Waters Avenue and Skidaway Road. The proposed project will provide sidewalks, bicycle facilities, curb/gutter, and improved drainage. Existing signals along the corridor would be modified to include pedestrian phases, signal heads and push-button stations. A total of 120 parcels are affected in which rights-of-way and/or easements from private landowners are required to facilitate this project.

The Right-of-Way Acquisition Contract governs how the project will be managed and includes reimbursement from GDOT to the City in the amount of up to $2,284,800 for eligible acquisition costs. Staff has performed in accordance with 49 CFR Part 24 - Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition for Federal and Federally-Assisted Programs, as well as O.C.G.A. 21-1-9, the Georgia Landowner’s Bill of Rights.

PARCEL INFORMATION:
Owner – Amari Adams
Property Address – 2302 LaRoche Ave Avenue, Savannah, GA 31404
Property Identification Number – 20116 01022
Legal Description of Parent Parcel – Lot 114 Wilemere Sub Roberson Ward
Required Right of Way – n/a
Required Easement – 0.105 Acres (or 4,534.99 SF)

STATUS:
Title work was performed on the property and the owner of record is Amari Adams. On November 12, 2018, Nicole Rawls, representative to the owner, accompanied the appraiser for an on-site inspection.

Initially, staff met with Amari Adams and his father Bruce Adams on May 31, 2019 to discuss the project. At that point in time, Mr. and Mr. Adams expressed concerns about the plans. Staff worked diligently with the owners to address any issues presented regarding driveways, fencing, etc.

On November 29, 2019, staff and Mr. Amari agreed on terms and signed the Purchase and Sale Agreement. Shortly thereafter, paperwork was forwarded to Assistant City Attorney Shearouse’s office to prepare file for closing. Title work indicates outstanding debits may exceed remainder property value.

Therefore, staff is seeking authorization to utilize Eminent Domain as a last resort solely in the case of title, lien, or similar issues preventing a voluntary transaction.

Approval