The site wasn't a secret, and the county has already bought options on most of the properties. The board agreed to use condemnation, if necessary, to buy the remaining parcels. Although much of the museum land is vacant, a number of property owners and tenants have been told they have to be out of their buildings by March 31. The city plans to begin demolition on April 1, and it will condemn the property it can't acquire through negotiation. The state gives counties the authority to condemn property for specific purposes, such as government buildings, utilities, landfills and public parks.
Cities have the same authority, but can also condemn for public roads, airports and museums.
In the early 1980s, the General Assembly expanded cities' powers of eminent domain, allowing local governments to condemn property for economic development projects in urban areas. Fayetteville has that authority as a part of its city charter. Much of the 400 block was condemned in 1995 for the new police station. City officials said they intended to start condemnation proceedings this week against any property owner who had not reached a deal with the city by Friday. The county must wait until February to file condemnation notices.