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Oregon Road Conditions & Cams Advertisement Email Story to a Friend April 23, 2006 Evans Creek Bridge stalled Property compensation delays work in Rogue River By SANNE SPECHT Mail Tribune ROGUE RIVER — The City Council wants a judge to set a price on private property it needs to acquire in order to build a new $2.9 million bridge over Evans Creek. City Administrator Mark Reagles said at an April 6 meeting of the City Council that while the city has attempted to negotiate in good faith with both parties, the homeowners are requesting what he characterized as unreasonable compensation. Phillip Porter is seeking $60,000 for the sale of 365 square feet of his property and for a 30-month temporary construction easement on another section. Porter also wants an additional $1,600 if the bridge construction results in the death of one of his trees. "There’s no substantiation or justification for that kind of money," said Reagles. Porter promised to take the matter to an attorney. Advertisement "Guess I’ll see you in court," Porter told the council. Eric Schaafsma has requested the city pay $169,000 for a 30-month 1,054 square foot temporary construction easement on his property. Reagles said he attempted to notify Schaafsma of the special meeting, he said. Schaafsma did not attend the meeting, and could not be reached for comment. The council unanimously rejected the demands of Porter and Schaafsma. The city will now use eminent domain to resolve the construction dispute, Reagles said. Evans Creek Bridge, located within city limits and next to Beck Field on West Main Street, must be rebuilt, says Public Works Director Ken Johnson. To do so, the city must permanently acquire a small slice of Porter’s property on the west side of the bridge as well as have temporary access to that property, Johnson said. The city upped its initial offer to Porter of $5,320 to $17,000, and has promised to restore Porter’s property to its original condition once construction is finished, Johnson said. Porter says that offer is $43,000 too low. The city is obligated to adequately compensate him for having heavy construction crews operating 10 feet from his windows for up to 15 months. "You’re going to spend $40,000 just to get this through the court," Porter told them at the April 6 meeting. Reagles disagreed, adding the city’s attorney had advised them to proceed. "We have a time schedule to meet in order to get this project out to bid," said Reagles. The city also needs temporary access to Schaafsma’s property on the other side of the bridge, he added. Although it only needs a temporary easement on Schaafsma’s property, the city is proposing to buy the land and the home because of concerns about the building’s foundation and overall condition. As part of the eminent domain process, fair market value for both properties will be determined by an independent appraiser unless there is a last-minute agreement between the city and the property owners, said Reagles. Reach reporter Sanne Specht at 776-4497 or e-mail Evans Creek Bridge stalled ">[email protected] . Mail Tribune Home | Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life | Opinion AP News | Archives | Site Map | Community | Classified Copyright © 1997-2006 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Website Feedback www.bingo.com Home Security Systems Trunks, Footlocker Custom Build Computers Discount Hotel Reservations online casinos news Ashley Furniture HomeStore Send Flowers Southern Oregon Loans California Casinos GMAT Prep Windermere Van Vleet Sports Equipment Online Casino Reviews Online Bingo Entertainment Guide Online Casino Fundraisers Sudoku Online Casinos Canada Online Pharmacy Advertisement s