New Hanover Co. commissioners vote to use eminent domain to acquire gentleman’s club – WECT

WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) – At its Monday, Nov. 6 meeting, the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a resolution to exercise eminent domain for tax parcel R04916-003-003-000.
Cheetah Premier Gentleman’s Club of Wilmington is located on the land designated by that parcel, located at 143 College Road. The new NHC Government Center is located nearby, at 230 Government Center Drive
Eminent domain is a tool that governments can use in North Carolina to acquire private land for themselves, however, it does require ‘just compensation’ as well as a reason why a government can take private property.
State law permits the following uses for the use of eminent domain:
The county identified a need to expand parking facilities to better accommodate our citizens when visiting the newly constructed government center. Exercising eminent domain to acquire the neighboring property is a legal and measured step towards fulfilling this need. The law ensures that the property owner will receive fair market value, aligning with our responsibility to act in a balanced and lawful manner.
The resolution included a budget amendment of $2.36 million to purchase the land.
Ward and Smith, P.A. have been selected to serve as legal counsel and to send the required notice on condemnation.
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