Burlington School District To Use Eminent Domain

Burlington, IA – The Burlington School District will use eminent domain to obtain land for its new middle school. The district plans to build the school on 18 acres of land on the city's north side. Business Manager Chris Van Meter says the district is close to finalizing deals to secure nearly 10 acres of the necessary property. She says negotiations have stalled, though, in efforts to obtain the final 8 acres of undeveloped woodland. Van Meter says a hearing will be held to determine the fair market value of the property. She would not discuss recent offers from the district, citing closed session requirements. Van Meter says the district hopes to obtain the land for the new middle school by the end of the year. The school will eventually replace Oak Street Middle School. Van Meter says construction could begin once school is out and be finished by the fall of 2009