MSC News

MSC News National Headlines Sports Top Headlines CBS US News CBS Technology

Printer Friendly

Email to a Friend

City Seeks Condemnation of Property

By Greg Bebermeyer

04/22/2016

(KNZA)--The city of Hiawatha is seeking the condemnation of property for the construction of a new water treatment plant

The City Commission this week voted to authorize Mayor Steffen Shamburg to sign a petition to be filed in Brown County District Court for the condemnation of the old locker plant property north of Hiawatha.

In taking the action, Shamburg noted the city made ever effort possible to avoid the condemnation process and this is the last resort.

The petition asks the court to find the city has the power to acquire the property by eminent domain. In addition, it asks the court to enter an order appointing three disinterested county residents to determine the market value of the 6 ½ acres and any damages to the tenant as a result of the taking.

Named as defendants in the petition are owner, George Chase of Beattie, and tenant, B.J. Smith of Highland.

In March, the city voted to exercise an option to purchase more than 26-acres of land for the project that adjoins the old locker plant property. That property was purchased from the Koenig trust for a total cost of $76,000.

The city plans to construct a treatment plant to address the ongoing problem of high nitrate levels in its water supply system. The plant is currently in the design phase.

You will need to be logged in to leave a comment.

Please Login

The posting of advertisements, profanity, or personal attacks is prohibited.

Click here to review our Terms of Use.