The city of Milton plans to exercise its right of eminent domain to "take" small easements from several property owners for intersection improvements at Hopewell Road/Cogburn Road and Francis Road/Hopewell Road.

City Council has a vote scheduled at its meeting at 6 p.m. today, March 4, on the three easements.

• Parcel 3 – Hopewell Road/Cogburn Road at Francis Road/Hopewell Road: $1,100
• Parcel 6 –  2643 Francis Road: $4,200
• Parcel No. 4 –14750 Hopewell Road: $12,250

City Council agreed with staff's recommendation for a roundabout over a traffic signal in July 2011 after learning it would cost $600,000 for a roundabout, as compared to $800,000 for a traffic signal. The added expense of maintenance for a traffic signal also reduces the cost of a roundabout.

“From a safety standpoint it’s a much safer alternative,” said Public Works Director Carter Lucas at that meeting.

Public comment was almost evenly matched over the alternatives.

Cities use eminent domain either when they can't reach an agreement over the value of the property needed for a civic project, or when the property owner requires the process for accounting or tax purposes.

Also read: Milton Council Works on Hopewell-Cogburn Intersection