BACKGROUND:
The Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Savannah approved the West Gwinnett Street widening project at the regularly scheduled meeting on April 12, 2004. These improvements align with the adopted City Council Strategic Priorities: Infrastructure, Neighborhood Revitalization, and Public Safety. This road widening project will reduce street flooding, increase pedestrian safety and access via sidewalks, improve the quality of Savannah streets, improve mobility and neighborhood connectivity, enhance a commercial corridor, and provide necessary access to the upcoming Arena Development and Canal District. Additional right-of-ways and/or easements from private landowners are required to facilitate this project. The project provides additional traffic lanes, sidewalks, bicycle facilities, and drainage.

Staff has contacted and negotiated in good-faith with owners of record in accordance with state and federal laws and regulations.  Unfortunately, due to title issues, the property located at 1308 West Gwinnett Street will require the use of eminent domain.

PARCEL INFORMATION:
Owner – Ruby I. Brown
Property Address – 1308 West Gwinnett Street, Savannah, GA. 31415
Property Identification Number – 2-0046- 01-009
Legal Description of Parent Parcel – 25 MORRISON WD
Required Right-of-Way – 74.1 square feet (0.002 acres)
Required Easement – 165.9 square feet (0.004 acres)

STATUS:
Title work was performed on the property and the owner of record Ruby Brown is deceased. Staff met with Charles Brown, son of Ruby Brown. He does not have her Power of Attorney or Probate authority to transfer real estate. Therefore, the only way to acquire the right of way and easement with clean title is to utilize eminent domain.

Approval