BEAUMONT, Texas — Councilmembers have taken the next step to ease concerns for Beaumont drivers.
On Tuesday, Beaumont City Council authorized an eminent domain proceeding to acquire property that would allow construction of a traffic light at the N. Major Dr. and Northwest Pkwy intersection.
That intersection has been the site of several wrecks this year and is controlled by a single stop sign.
Councilmembers tell 12news the city has reached out to the landowner several times, but has failed to get a response.
"We are taking these steps because it does involve the public safety and public benefit," said Beaumont Mayor Roy West. "We've had issues with accidents. It was determined that we need a traffic light there."
The proposed traffic light would sit at the edge of the property that's next door to the Breakwater Bay apartment complex.
"By acquiring this piece of property we're able to put a more square intersection in," said Beaumont Director of Public Works, Bart Bartkowiak.
Bartkowiak says the property would eventually be used for more than just a traffic light.
"The property is necessary in order to implement a public road to complete the intersection so it's for the use of the public, all citizens, once the property is obtained," he said.
The city offered landowner Nick Rankin $17,500 for the property, but he hasn't responded.
"It was appraised by an independent appraiser and we will be paying for the land, we're not just taking it. We're just taking what is necessary in order to be able to create safety and put up those traffic lights there," West said.
While the landowner can appeal the eminent domain acquisition, Mayor West says this is something the community needs.
"This is a public safety concern and it is for the public good. So, it meets the criteria for eminent domain," West said.
City leaders are still hoping to hear back from the landowner.
12News also reached out to the landowner, but we didn't hear back in time for this publication.