MORGANTOWN — As part of the multi-million dollar riverfront improvement project, the city of Morgantown built on private property owned by Dan Nagowski.
Nagowski objected.
Now the city is saying it will claim that property through eminent domain if an agreement cannot be reached.
At the end of a special meeting held earlier this week, council unanimously approved acquiring the property “by agreement with the owner or by eminent domain if needed.”
Nagowski owns Wings Ole, located at 1125 University Ave. The property in question is the lower parking area near the old depot building.
“The new restroom building at the park was constructed on part of the property, with an adjacent sidewalk, under the city’s belief that the Nagowskis would agree to the construction. As the [Dominion Post] has reported, Mr. Nagowski did not agree to the construction and the city was misinformed about the approval,” Morgantown Communications Manager Andrew Stacy explained.
Stacy said the parties have tried unsuccessfully for several months to reach an agreement.
The city has now had the entire parcel appraised and communicated that offer to the Nagowskis.
Nagowski previously told The Dominion Post that he never signed an agreement or easement with the city but verbally agreed the riverfront project could encroach onto about 35 square feet of his property. He said the structure and adjoining walkway ended up covering about 800 square feet and eliminating seven of his parking spaces.
Asked in March what he would consider an agreeable outcome, Nagowski said, “I want my property back.”
Based on what the city is saying, it doesn’t sound like that’s an option.
“Due to the increased need for a pedestrian and bike pass through, police and staff parking, and vendor space associated with the park improvements, the city has determined this property is needed for public park use,” Stacy said.
The Dominion Post was unable to contact Nagowski in time for this report.
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