Two property owners have filed formal objections to the City of St. Augustine’s eminent domain petitions against them, setting up a court fight over land the city says it needs for a downtown flood-control project.
They are the only landowners facing condemnation, as all others agreed to provide access voluntarily.
City officials are pursuing temporary and permanent easements to carry out a stormwater and drainage initiative aimed at reducing chronic flooding in and around downtown.
The project is part of a long-planned effort to address rising water levels and heavier rains that have repeatedly inundated neighborhoods, businesses, and public spaces.
In their filings, both respondents argue that the city failed to negotiate in good faith and has not demonstrated that seizing their property interests is necessary to achieve their aims.
They also insist that if the court allows the takings, they are entitled to “full compensation.”
That, they contend, must include not only the value of the easements but also damages to the remainder of their property, impacts from construction, and attorneys’ and experts’ fees.
One property owner goes further, alleging that city representatives made inaccurate public statements that misled neighbors and civic groups, triggered community petitions, and damaged her reputation. She also asserts that the city has not specified the scope or timeline of the work they want to perform.
The other respondent did not raise this claim, focusing instead on procedural objections and compensation rights.
Both filings also warn of potential harms to their properties from the project, including reduced access, changes in grade, noise, impaired air quality, loss of light and views, and the loss of certain property use rights tied to waterfront access.
According to the city, the easements are essential for building a seawall, pump station, and outfall improvements intended to curb chronic flooding.
The case is still advancing in St. Johns County court.
