Wausau City Hall. MWC file photo.
WAUSAU, WI (WSAU) — The Wausau City Council used a special meeting Tuesday to approve plans for a multi-use trail along 72nd Avenue between International Drive and Packer Drive, but the vote doesn’t guarantee that the trail will materialize.
The city must first get approval from landowners in the area to take over a small amount of land through eminent domain, which public works director Eric Lindman says is the only option available to them because DOT funding will account for 80% of the proposed project.
“Chapter 32 of the state statute [says] that’s actually a process we have to follow,” said Lindman. “Because we are using DOT money to fund this project, they require us to use this process. The idea of condemnation for a trail is not allowed anymore.”
According to a memo provided in Tuesday’s agenda packet, the city is looking for permanent easements totaling about 460 square feet from four different parcels along with some temporary easements that would only allow for access to the area for the duration of construction. Lindman says the permanent easements would be for things like stormwater drainage, outfalls, and catch basins.
Alder Tom Kilian says since condemnation isn’t an option for taking control of the desired land, he wants it to be clear that residents who are approached with offers for their land do not need to take them. “If they choose not to accept the city’s offer, the Government cannot compel them to do so.”
Lindman said the consultants that the city is working with will be informing those residents of their rights upfront.
The proposed purchase offers will go to the city’s Finance Committee next Tuesday for approval. Consultants had estimated the value of the land at between $1,000-$5,000, depending on appraisals and negotiations.
The issue was handled as part of a special meeting because of the time-sensitive nature of the matter.
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