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, staff have not been able to reach agreement with the owner of the property located at 1308 West Gwinnett Street.  Therefore, acquisition will require the use of eminent domain.

PARCEL INFORMATION:
Owner – Josey Sheppard
Property Address – 1302 West Gwinnett Street, Savannah, GA 31415
Property Identification Number – 2-0046 -01-007
Legal Description of Parent Parcel – LT 26 + E PT OF LT 1 SEC A MORRISON WD
Required Right-of-Way – 460.7 square feet (0.01 acres)
Required Easement – 1069.7 square feet (0.025 acres)

STATUS:
Title work was performed on the property and the owner of record is Josey Sheppard. Staff met with Mr. Sheppard and presented the offer of appraised value.  To date, the parties have not reached an agreement and eminent domain is needed to acquire the need property.

Approval.