Fourmile Creek area homeowners plead for their properties

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.