Multiple homeowners pleaded unsuccessfully with the Des Moines City Council Monday night to spare them from an eminent domain plan.
- They're among 27 property owners located in a floodplain along Fourmile Creek that has not participated in previous flood buyouts.
Why it matters: There might be a whole lot of us in their shoes in coming years.
- Extreme weather events are virtually assured for the next three decades due to climate change, Axios' Andrew Freedman and Kia Kokalitcheva write.
State of play: The Lower Fourmile Creek Greenway is part of a long-term city and county plan to remediate frequently flooded areas.
- It's more than 450 acres and includes land where dozens of homes were previously located.
- Buyout, demolition and relocation for the remaining owners is estimated at $3.5 million.
What they're saying: Council members promised to work with the residents to assure they are reasonably compensated.
- Yes, but: They also noted their overriding objective is to protect human life and voted unanimously to proceed with buyouts or eminent domain.
- "I just want my house. Please, please, please let me stay," Catherine Manhart begged Monday.
What's ahead: Negotiations with residents will begin in the coming months.
- The process will take about six years to complete.
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