EMINENT DOMAIN PROCESS SET BACK.Byline: Jim Skeen Staff Writer CALIFORNIA CITY - Redevelopment agency plans to begin eminent domain eminent domain, the right of a government to force the owner of private property sell it if it is needed for a public use. The right is based on the doctrine that a sovereign state has dominion over all lands and buildings within its borders, which has its origins in proceedings to acquire property for a Hyundai/Kia test track were pushed back to next month after a vote to begin the process failed by one vote. A ``finding of necessity,'' needed to start the process, failed to get the required minimum of four votes Tuesday night. The vote was 3-2, with Mayor Larry Adams and Councilman Nicholas Lessenevitch dissenting. City council members, sitting as the redevelopment agency board, will reconsider the proposal July 1. Approximately 85 percent of the 4,300 acres needed for the test track have been acquired, but about 100 parcels remain to be acquired. Some property owners are fighting the eminent domain proceedings, stating that they have not received fair offers for their property and that there is no discussion on counteroffers. ``They haven't been negotiating,'' said Vivian Rosenthal, a Realtor who represents some of the landowners. ``It's a land grab land grab n. An aggressive taking of land, especially by military force, in order to expand territorial holdings or broaden power: "The Oklahoma Land Rush of 1889 was . . . .'' As to whether the negotiations have been fair, City Manager Jack Stewart Jack Stewart is a name shared by several people:
``The offers were based on market conditions,'' Stewart said. ``Some property owners are not willing to negotiate at any prices. Some think their property is worth more than what it is.'' If the redevelopment agency board does make a finding of necessity at its next meeting, negotiations will still continue up to the point each property enters the court proceedings, Stewart said. In eminent domain proceedings, the price for property acquired by a government agency is set by a judge. The Hyundai/Kia test track site is located north of Highway 58 about eight miles east of Mojave. The $50 million Hyundai-Kia Motors Proving Ground will be used to test new vehicle models from Hyundai and Kia designed with North American North American named after North America. North American blastomycosis see North American blastomycosis. North American cattle tick see boophilusannulatus. customers in mind, officials said. The project is to include a 6.4-mile oval track  It has been suggested that and be merged into this article or section. , a vehicle-handling course inside the oval track, a paved pave tr.v. paved, pav·ing, paves 1. To cover with a pavement. 2. To cover uniformly, as if with pavement. 3. To be or compose the pavement of. hill road and several special-surface roads. A 30,000-square-foot complex for offices and indoor testing will also be constructed. The proving grounds Blackarachnia is growing steadily more annoyed with the tension between her and the Maximals. , expected to employ about 40 to 50 people, should be completed in late 2004, officials say. Jim Skeen, (661) 267-5743 james.skeen(at)dailynews.com |
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