Emily Patrick

epatrick@citizen-times.com

The city of Asheville is taking possession of the property occupied by 12 Bones Smokehouse through eminent domain, according to a lawsuit filed May 9 in Superior Court.

The city will use the 1 acre property to straighten a sharp curve in Riverside Drive as part of a $50 million effort to improve roadways, add bike lanes and sidewalks and create public art in the River Arts District.

Property tenant 12 Bones Smokehouse, a beloved barbecue restaurant twice visited by President Obama, will not have to relocate immediately, according to Stephanie Monson Dahl, director of the city's Riverfront Redevelopment Office. She said the city is working with the 12 Bones business owners to create a time frame that works for everyone.

In an April interview, 12 Bones co-owner Bryan King said he expects the restaurant will find a new location in the River Arts District before the end of the year. In the meantime, the current location remains open.

"What happens in court, that is where the negotiation and compensation for the property owner is settled," Dahl said. "We're working separately with the tenants."

Chris Peterson, who owns the property, said he doesn't think the city needs the land.

The city's use of eminent domain at the 12 Bones site was not sudden. Officials first discussed the potential maneuver with the Citizen-Times more than a year ago. Peterson said last month he expected to go to court.

Dahl said the city has not used eminent domain on any other properties involved in the project.

To begin the road expansion and greenways, the city needs to formalize easements on 45 pieces of property, according to Dahl. Each landowner gets compensation for allowing the city access.

Dahl said more than half of the 38 property owners have either settled with the city or signed right of entry agreements so the city can begin work while compensation negotiations continue.

This summer, the city will work with utility companies to move power lines and prepare for construction, which is scheduled to begin in 2017.

12 Bones Smokehouse's RAD location to move this year

City project calls for demolition at 12 Bones, RAD warehouses