Eminent Domain Out

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Eminent Domain Out

By KBJR News 1

After a lot of controversy over the possibility of exercising eminent domain, tonight the Duluth School district has dropped that possibility.

Tiffany Tarrolly brings us the latest.

"We feel like we're being run over here. We feel like we've been hit by a truck. We feel like our voices are going unheard," said a concerned Duluthian, Tom Kasper.

Comments like these have prompted the Duluth School District to change its plan.

Here's a look at the old proposal to convert the Middle school into a senior high.

After debate... and refusal by four homeowners to sell to the district... the plan now looks like this.

"All along it's never been our goal to use eminent domain in this process and fortunately we haven't had to and if this plan can come together we believe we'll be able to complete all of our plan without using eminent domain," said Duluth School District Superindentant Dr. Keith Dixon.

Over the course of a year, the proposal has changed eight times.

"I think it's the process of going through iteration after iteration getting feedback and moving closer to something that both the community can support but yet meets our needs," said Dr. Dixon.

The new plan reduces the number of access roads into the campus from three to two.

One athletic field is now out of the proposal as well.

Less parking is also a part of the plan if the Minnesota Department of education gives the nod in a months-time.

"I think we feel comfortable that we're balancing that we have enough parking to meet the normal needs of a high school of this size," Dixon said.

The district is working with a few other homeowners who are willing to sell their homes.

The District isn't sure yethow those properties will fit into the plan.

The earliest the school will be finished is Fall 2010.

A community meeting about the plans for Ordean will be held tomorrow at 6- o'clock at the Duluth Congregational Church.

Thursday, Jan 15 at 10:12 AM JJI wrote ...

I understand the Red Plan opponents want the new eastern high school to be moved to the Central site. Does that mean the demise of East? Hmmm.

Tuesday, Jan 13 at 11:53 PM Jane wrote ...

It saddens me whenever I hear of a town, business, school district as with this case, even bringing eminent domain into the picture. When that type of talk comes into the debate, it certainly causes the homeowners to wonder what kind of country do we live in. After my house burnt down, the insurance company and a certain entity told me they would do the demolition the very next wkend, I told then no. They then threatened eminent domain. I knew the private inspector had to inspect 1st.

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