Last Week: Do you agree with Norcross’ use of eminent domain to build parking lot?
Norcross plans to expand the city’s downtown corridor with construction of a new library and parking deck between Lillian Webb Park and Buford Highway. Land not already owned by the city, and needed for the project, includes a building on 1.92-acres at 5735 Buford Highway owned by Vosamis Properties, Inc. The Plaza Latina has been home to a popular Hispanic marketplace for the past 20 years.
After a special called meeting last week, the Norcross City Council voted to acquire the property by eminent domain. A previous offer to purchase the property for $1.5 million was rejected by the owner in March. As a result, the city will proceed with condemnation proceedings in Gwinnett Superior Court to acquire the property and has already released requests this week for bids to proceed with the project.
Tenants reportedly have been warned they will need to move, but haven’t been given a timeline. Merchants are concerned they’ll lose their livelihood if they can’t find a nearby location their established clientele will be able to access. Norcross Mayor Bucky Johnson has said the city will help the existing merchants find new locations.
Here’s some of what you had to say:
Nope. If it's vacant and an eyesore, then you can condemn it. If it's an operating place of business that otherwise meets all safety requirements, moving to 'condemn' it is just foolish. Work with the property owners for a reasonable sale price. Do not condemn it and basically steal it from them. I'm rather disappointed in Norcross for this. – LogicalDude
[A] Government land grab from the citizens who pay their taxes and provide a service to the community. Who would have thought? Time to vote this commission out, STOP voting against your best interest! — styymy
My opinion is still yes. They are trying to better the area and the city . I still agree with the city trying to better the area. The area is in need of a library, so those kids that live in the area have the resources to better their education. Since you are not from the area, that store barely does any business and the location is an eye sore. The city is trying to make itself a better area to live and improve the quality of live. My house wouldn't be taken, because I would stay in a community that knows the importance of property value and what it takes to have somewhere for my children to go to hopefully improve their quality of life. — SWashington
No eminent domain is justifiable unless the property is abandoned and creates a dangerous environment. This seizure of a citizen's property does not pass muster. I'm sure that the city of Norcross can find some other place for a parking lot just like the city can help the current occupant find another place. Finding another place doesn't replace the lost business from established customers. We wouldn't see this happening if the property was owned by a city council member. — catfish252
The condemnation of the Plaza Latina has all the traits of a real "stinker". Show me the money. It looks like Norcross is trying to remove the Latin element from the community. It's hard to sell the new trendy homes and condos when there is such a strong Latin element just across the street. There are other locations more accessible to the downtown area than this location. The best thing Norcross can do to improve the downtown area is to move the railroad tracks. — RKraft
This is BS. The businesses were there first. They could loose their livelihood if forced to move. — RBarn
So they want to displace businesses for a library and parking deck??? How does that help the community grow? — MMitten
This project is the definition of public eminent domain use. But in KELO Supreme Court case eminent domain was used to take private homes to provide land to private developers whose final projects would pay more in taxes than the homes did. That's wrong. — KNabb
Nothing worse than the government throwing private business to the side. All while spending your tax dollars to do it. Disgusting. — AshcraftJ
Either corruption is taking place, or they just have too much money to waste in Norcross. Very disgusting! Those businesses have been paying taxes for so many years to Norcross, and now they are treated like nothing. And the city is giving them only 1.5 million ?! My neighbor's house is 1.5 million. What are they supposed to do with that change? That's not even enough to transport the stuff they have in there if they were to relocate elsewhere — ABLack
Gentrification at it finest . — TSullivan
Eminent Domain is tyranny. — Tbielstein
There is nothing wrong with the library we already have just need a change in staff due to their rudeness. — Dpattilo
Government should never steal from the people! NO! — RobW
No, no, and a big fat NO. — PatW
Karen Huppertz for the AJC
The addition of roundabouts to some of Fayette County’s busier roads has some residents’ tempers spinning. Roundabouts, such as the one already at Redwine Road and Grady Avenue, are meant to improve traffic flow and reduce accident rates.
The county is now planning to put a roundabout where Ga. Hwy. 92 meets Antioch Road and Lockwood Road, and another nearby where Ga. Hwy. 92 connects with Harp Road and Seay Road. Neither intersection meets state criteria for a traffic light, but both have safety and congestion problems based mostly on heavier commuter use.
Fayette’s Board of Commissioners voted in January 2014 to pursue the projects based on traffic studies and staff recommendations. The approximately $5 million cost of the roundabouts would be paid for by the Georgia Department of Transportation, not county funds.
However, some residents believe the roundabouts aren’t necessary, cost effective or desirable. GDOT held an information open house on April 28 and is accepting public comments until May 8 at www.dot.ga.gov/PS/Public/PublicOutreach.
But you can have your say here, too. Are roundabouts the right fit for these Fayette County intersections? Why or why not? Is there a better alternative? Or should these spots just stay as is? Send us your comments about the traffic plan at communitynews@ajc.com. We’ll publish a sampling of replies next week.
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