Falls takes first step towards eminent domain

The Mandarin House restaurant would lose nearly half of its parking spots if the city of Cuyahoga Falls installs a new turn lane from East Bath Road to north State Road.(Michael Chritton/Akron Beacon Journal)

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Falls City Council voted Monday in favor of a resolution of intent to pursue eminent domain against the last of 13 properties in the path of a $9.3 million State Road improvement project.

The Mandarin House Restaurant at the corner of State and West Bath roads is in the path of the project, which begins at Graham Road and ends at Steels Corners Road.

Officials are seeking to acquire a portion of the parking lot, some of which is in the city's right-of-way.

Mandarin House owner Ed Hwee told Council he was afraid the construction and loss of parking spaces could force the closure of his business.

After Monday's vote, Law Director Paul Janis said he could not comment on the status of the negotiations between the city and Hwee.

Hwee also declined to comment.

Council member Diana Colavecchio said Hwee can continue to negotiate with the city for another 30 days before Council will be asked to approve eminent domain litigation.

She said she will continue to be available to him.

"Hopefully it can be resolved and it will be behind him," she said.