Judge Denies Change Of Venue In Downtown Plaza Eminent Domain
SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — An attempt to change the venue of eminent domain proceedings on a building in the path of a new Sacramento Kings arena was rejected by a judge on Monday.
The Kings and the city of Sacramento are working together to try to gain control of the property that was once the Macy's Men's Store on 600 K Street.
The judge cut through a convoluted ownership model of the last piece of Downtown Plaza to decide against moving the case from Sacramento County.
"I think this is what we expected all along, that the venue is proper in Sacramento County," said Assistant City Manager Matt Ruyak.
A judge is expected to make a ruling on the city's eminent domain claim, and whether the city can begin demolition of the Downtown Plaza.
In the case of the latter, the Kings would have the right to begin that process while a jury decides how much the property is worth. As it currently stands, both sides are several million dollars apart.
The Kings are hoping to begin demolition of Downtown Plaza in the Spring or early Summer.