Some property owners within Medford's proposed Middleford Commons development now have more leverage to obtain higher prices for their land, thanks to the recent passage of state Ballot Measure 39.
The measure, which passed with 67 percent of the vote on Nov. 7, prohibits a public agency from condemning private property if the agency intends to convey it to another private party. The Medford Urban Renewal Agency, then, cannot condemn property within Middleford Commons that is planned for the headquarters of Lithia Motors Inc. — the centerpiece of the ambitious, multiblock development.
MURA is negotiating prices on the Greyhound bus station and garage, Sam Jennings Co. building and Superior Stamp and Sign property, all between Riverside and Central avenues and Third and Sixth streets.
MURA attorney Dan Thorndike said only the Jennings property would be affected by the measure because MURA intends to transfer the property to Lithia.
The Greyhound and Superior Stamp properties are flagged for public parkland.
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He said Measure 39 might give the family members a little more support in obtaining an amount they feel is appropriate.
"We're not asking for a certain price at this point — it's still in flux," he said.
Thorndike said all the property owners have agreed to sell, but none have agreed to the appraisals presented by MURA.
The figures are not available to the public until after the acquisition is complete. But the agency has said it offers fair market value, often with additional relocation expenses.
Jason Anderson, Medford councilman and liaison to MURA, said he did not have any further comment beyond the fact that the agency is in continued negotiations with the property owners.
"These things take time," he said.
Anderson said he didn't immediately know of any other Medford projects that could be affected by Measure 39.
Thorndike said once the property acquisitions are complete, the developers will begin submitting applications to the city.
Reach reporter Meg Landers at 776-4481 or e-mail mlanders@mailtribune.com.
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