SUBJECT
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Approve Right-of-Way Agreement between Siamak Rafieian, and Polk County in conjunction with the County Road 557 Project, Parcel 132. ($1,475,350 one-time expense)
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DESCRIPTION
The County has a Community Investment Project to improve County Road 557 to a four-lane corridor from north of US Highway 17/92 in Lake Alfred, to south of the I-4 Interchange. To allow construction of the new roadway, the County will need to acquire additional right-of-way for the corridor from impacted property owners. The Board previously adopted a resolution authorizing negotiations and written offers to be made on this project.
Parcel 132 is an irregular shaped fee parcel, containing approximately 4-acres, needed for mainline right-of-way for the project. The parent property is a vacant, irregular shaped parcel, containing approximately 29-acres located along the west side of County Road 557, south of Old Polk City Road. The County hired an independent appraiser to establish full compensation for the taking of Parcel Number 132 and the owner, Siamak Rafieian, through his attorney, rejected the County's offer. Subsequent negotiations with the owner's attorney have resulted in a proposed settlement amount of $1,275,000 for the purchase of the parcel along with attorney's fees and expert costs/fees in the amount of $192,350 for a total settlement of $1,467,350.
The County Attorney's Office and the Real Estate Services Director have reviewed the agreement and recommend approval. The alternative of acquiring this parcel through condemnation litigation would result in substantial cost to the County. Approving the Right-of-Way Agreement, authorizing the issuance of funds for the purchase, and hiring American Government Services Corporation to close the transaction will allow the County to take ownership of the parcel for the project.
RECOMMENDATION
Request Board approve the aforementioned Right-of-Way Agreement for Parcel 132 and authorize the issuance of funds in th...
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