Greensburg officials were still in negotiations with two or three land owners where city officials are seeking easements for a planned flood control project.
But solicitor Zachary Kansler said he expects to file at least one eminent domain action after negotiations with that property owner weren’t successful.
City council on Monday approved a measure 4-0 that authorized him to file a declaration of taking at the Westmoreland County Courthouse. Councilman Donnie Zappone Jr. was absent.
Greensburg officials have been working with property owners for months to secure easements along an unnamed stream that runs parallel to Glenview Avenue in the Northmont neighborhood. It flows mostly through backyards and goes underground before connecting to Jacks Run near Lynch Field.
The project will involve the construction of culverts and U-channels along the stream that could take up to two years to complete. The work will be funded through a state grant.
Five more easements are needed on properties on New Alexandria Road, Albert Way and Northmont Street. Eminent domain is a last resort, but it appears to be likely for at least one case.
Greensburg also has to get Hempfield on board with the use of eminent domain, as two of the remaining properties are in the township. Kansler said a municipality can’t use eminent domain outside of its borders without the approval of the appropriate governing body.
Discussions have been ongoing with township officials, he said, after Hempfield supervisors last month tabled Greensburg’s request to get more information.
The majority of property owners have OK’d easement agreements. Greensburg council has approved $12,000 in total payments for easements in past months to three property owners.
The easements are needed for construction and then maintenance of the work.
Flooding has been happening in that neighborhood for decades, according to city officials and Trib archives.