Eminent domain proceedings related to two property acquisitions for Minot’s flood protection project have begun in North Central District Court, according to court records.

The City of Minot is seeking to use eminent domain to obtain church property at 400, 410 and 414 Main St. N. Defendants are Robert Adkins, Higher Ground, Roy Leavitt, Open Gate Apostolic Ministries, River of Life Assembly of God in Bismarck and Spiritual Life Christian Fellowship Church. The case was filed Sept. 22 and has been assigned to Judge Stacy Louser.

A second case was filed Sept. 28 against Todd and Roxanne Peskey, United Community Bank and the U.S. Small Business Administration regarding property at 1603 7th Ave. SW. The case is before Judge Douglas Mattson.

The eminent domain cases are the first filed in court by the city in connection with the Mouse River Enhanced Flood Protection Project. Construction began on minor pieces of the project this year. Significant construction is expected to begin in 2017.

The city has identified 22 properties, including some with multiple lots, on which it has not been able to reach an acquisition agreement and will proceed to eminent domain. Not all would go to court if settlements are reached.

Jill Schramm