LAWRENCE COUNTY Authority plans to take land

The eminent domain process can be started once the proposal is approved.
By LAURE CIOFFI
VINDICATOR NEW CASTLE BUREAU
NEW CASTLE, Pa. -- The Lawrence County Redevelopment Authority is working on a proposal outlining how it will take two pieces of land from unwilling owners.
A previously prepared redevelopment plan isn't sufficient, said James Gagliano, county planning director.
Gagliano explained a redevelopment proposal states the action needed -- in this case eminent domain -- to complete the redevelopment plan. Eminent domain is the government's right to take property, usually in exchange for fair compensation.
The plan, prepared last summer, gives an overview of the proposed 1,200-acre Millennium Park in Neshannock Township.
The park is being developed as a "shovel-ready" site -- with sewage and water -- for any large business wanting to locate on it. Developers have said a semi-conductor plant promising thousands of jobs is interested in the property.
Most have sold
All but two land owners have already sold their property to the Lawrence County Economic Development Corp. An attorney representing the two land owners says his clients have not been offered enough money for their property.
He called the redevelopment plan "fundamentally flawed" and an attempt to use eminent domain to take his clients' property. Michael Parrish contends the property does not fall under the state's guidelines for blight, something needed for eminent domain.
Gagliano has said the property falls under the blight guidelines because it is not being used to its economic potential. The land is zoned for industrial use, but has mostly homes and small businesses.
Gagliano told redevelopment authority members at Wednesday's meeting they must approve the redevelopment proposal before it is sent to Lawrence County commissioners.
If the commissioners approve the proposal, the redevelopment authority can start the eminent domain process, he said.
Gagliano said they hope to have the plan done before the end of the year. It will focus on the two properties they have not acquired.
The property owners
Thomas and Christy Whittaker have a home on 83 acres and Dr. David Hamilton has a rental property with two tenants on 2.5 acres.
Gagliano said if Hamilton and the Whittakers sell their land to the economic development corporation they will not need to prepare a redevelopment proposal.
cioffi@vindy.com