The Village Council this week hired special counsel to help them in their acquisition of three properties near the proposed downtown parking deck.
The village will be using the law firm Day & Roberts, P.C. for their specialty in eminent domain.
The village needs land at 5151 Main St. and at 5212 and 5214 Washington St. to expedite plans for an estimated $10.7 million parking deck at Curtiss Street and Washington.
Village Atty. Daniel Blondin said officials are debating the price and the authority of the property. Negotiations have been difficult because the owner of 5151 Main lives out of town and the owners of 5212 and 5214 Washington are resistant to acquisition, Blondin said.
By hiring special counsel, the village hopes to move the process along, Blondin said.
Attorneys representing the property owners could not be reached for comment.