JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. — UPDATE (Dec. 19): Jefferson City Council unanimously voted to rescind a motion to acquire more than 90 acres of land through eminent domain for a new recreation center. Leaders also accepted a 32-acre gift near the Magnavox Ball Fields where they can build the rec center instead.
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Leaders in Jefferson City said they are now looking for a new site for a rec center, so they can avoid using "eminent domain." The idea of the government taking more than 90 acres triggered some public backlash.
The 90 acres of land around Jefferson Memorial Hospital has been the topic of debate for the past couple of years. Jefferson City previously considered taking the land to build a new rec center, citing eminent domain as a justification.
The county passed a resolution emphasizing they don't support the city's actions. The resolution also called on the state to change their laws on eminent domain.
"When city or county government wants to take land, it has to be for a legitimate public use purpose, not for a frivolous reason. And taking it for public recreation is frivolous in my opinion," said David Seal, who is the chairman of the Jefferson County Republican Party.
A business owner in Jefferson City may have a compromise. He's offering a free plot of land to the city for the rec center.
"I spoke with the business owner. He, in fact, has offered the property to the city free of charge as long as they back off of the taking of the hospital property," said Seal.
The city is now backing away from its eminent domain approach. A statement from Jefferson City leaders is available below.
"City leadership listened to feedback from community members and began exploring alternative options."
The city said next week council members will discuss two resolutions: one would accept the land donation. The other would rescind the plan to use eminent domain to take the original plot of land.
Next week's work session will take place on Tuesday, Dec. 19 at 5 p.m. as this year's long debate may come to an end.