Eminent Domain Report

According to an article in the Press Democrat, Rohnert Park OKs eminent domain at site of future hotel, restaurant, the Rohnert Park City Council recently adopted a resolution of necessity authorizing the use of eminent domain to acquire part of a property needed for a street widening project.  The street widening project is necessary accommodate increased traffic from the new Graton Resort & Casino, and it will require the partial acquisition of 22 properties.

The acquisition encompasses over 16,000 square feet from an undeveloped property that is slated to be improved with an Oxford Suites hotel and a McDonald's restaurant.  The City has offered $5,000 for the acquisition, and the owner does not believe this constitutes fair market value for the taking.

While the City is undertaking the condemnation efforts, the Casino owner -- the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria -- will end up bearing the full $10 million cost of the road project.