Allegheny County Header
File #: 10790-18    Version: 1 Name:
Type: Ordinance Status: Enacted
File created: 10/5/2018 In control: Chief Clerk
On agenda: 10/9/2018 Final action: 10/23/2018
Title: An Ordinance authorizing the County of Allegheny to acquire by condemnation certain right-of-way and temporary construction easement areas from the eleven remaining parcels required to reconstruct Kenmawr Bridge carrying Kenmawr Ave/South Braddock Ave over Norfolk Southern Railway in the Boroughs of Rankin and Swissvale, and to take such further action as may be necessary under applicable law, including the Eminent Domain Code.
Sponsors: Chief Executive
Attachments: 1. 10790-18 Exhibit A.pdf, 2. 35-18-OR 10790-18.pdf
title
An Ordinance authorizing the County of Allegheny to acquire by condemnation certain right-of-way and temporary construction easement areas from the eleven remaining parcels required to reconstruct Kenmawr Bridge carrying Kenmawr Ave/South Braddock Ave over Norfolk Southern Railway in the Boroughs of Rankin and Swissvale, and to take such further action as may be necessary under applicable law, including the Eminent Domain Code.

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Whereas, Kenmawr Bridge, which carries Kenmawr Avenue in Rankin Borough and South Braddock Avenue in Swissvale Borough over the Norfolk Southern Railway, has come into a state of disrepair, is now structurally deficient with a posted weight limit of 6 tons and sound engineering practice dictates that replacement of the bridge is required to insure continued public use and safety; and

Whereas, pedestrians must now walk on a former motor vehicle lane behind a temporary barrier, which has reduced the 12-foot vehicle lanes to 9 ½ feet wide because the deteriorated and unsafe sidewalk has been removed; and

Whereas, the Department of Public Works has acquired and continues to attempt to amicably acquire the property of the parties hereinafter identified for reconstruction of the bridge; and,

Whereas, in certain instances, the parties hereinafter identified have made excessive counter-offers that are not supported by accepted appraisal practices while other property owners are awaiting offers for the fair market value of their properties based on appraisals that have not been completed; and,

Whereas, due to the urgent need to replace the failing structure to protect the public and secure project funding, it is necessary to authorize the acquisition of the required properties through eminent domain following exhaustion of good faith efforts to amicably acquire said properties; and

Whereas, the County Council of Allegheny County deems it advisable to acquire certain right-of-way and easement areas, within Swissvale ...

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