(Spencer)– The city of Spencer will be able to avoid condemnation proceedings after striking an agreement with some private property owners to extend a street though their property for a business development along some former railroad right-of-way on the city’s north side.
Terms of the agreement approved at Monday’s city council meeting call for the city to cover various expenses associated with the land, including some assessments, relocation of a billboard, and removal of a concrete pad.
The vote to approve the agreement was not unanimous. Councilman Brian Balk voted against it, saying his figures indicate the city’s share of the agreement would far exceed the assessed value of the land. Balk also cast the lone no vote on a motion setting a date for a public hearing on the matter.
City officials say the cost of moving forward with condemnation proceedings would have been even more significant.
Dollar General plans to build a store in that area.
