Construction continues on the Greensferry overpass project along Interstate-90 in Post Falls. A lawsuit has recently been filed to address the rights to a piece of property adjacent to the project on the north side of the freeway that is owned by Coeur d’Alene RV Resort. (Coeur d'Alene Press photo: Shawn Gust)

The Post Falls Urban Renewal Agency's quest to secure right of way for the under-construction Greensferry overpass has resulted in another condemnation lawsuit. The URA, which is funding the $15 million overpass expected to be completed this fall, filed suit in First District Court against Coeur d'Alene RV Resort, Inc. and Downey Enterprises, a Washington partnership, to obtain a strip of property on the east side of Greensferry north of Interstate 90 to widen the road for an overpass approach. "This is part of the process," said Jerry Baltzell, URA chairman, adding that he believes the defendants are willing to negotiate a price for the half-acre property. "This is the way that they prefer we proceed." Baltzell said the URA is acquiring a similar strip on the east side of Greensferry north of I-90 for properties owned by Knudtsen Chevrolet and Parker Subaru/Brian Walker, Coeur d'Alene Press. More here.

Question: Do you support/oppose condemnation proceedings against a land owner in a situation like this, where the land is needed for an important public project?