Walser Buick officials say talks are not going wellwith Best Buy regarding its 7 acres, and it expectsthe city will use its eminent domain authority tostart condemnation proceedings in a week or so.Several weeks ago, the Richfield's Housing andRedevelopment Authority voted to use its eminentdomain authority to pursue condemnation proceedingsagainst Walser, but asked city officials to delay suchaction if there is a still chance for a negotiatedagreement.

This week, Walser received a letter fromthe city reiterating the offer for the property andadding that if Walser doesn't respond by Aug. 11, thecity would begin condemnation proceedings.The current offer is no where close to what Walsercould accept, according to Barbara Jerick, executive vicepresident and general counsel to Walser AutomotiveGroup, which owns several car dealerships in the TwinCities. "It's unfortunate that the City is pressing us ashard as they are,'' Jerick told GlobeSt.com."I don't think the state legislature had that area inmind when it came up with eminent domain - clearly,it's not blighted.''

Given that such proceedings can take three months ormore, starting them does not restrict a negotiatedsettlement - a conclusion to the process that would bebetter than going through condemnation for Best Buy,the city and Walser, says John Stark, the City'scommunity development manager.