The city of Napa will use eminent domain powers to buy a small piece of land so that Capitola Drive can be extended to the 25-home Napa Terrace subdivision.

The City Council approved the condemnation Tuesday after staff reported that negotiations between the subdivision developer, the O'Brien Group, and the property owner, Charles and Elisabeth Hennion, had broken down.

The city needs 864 square feet for the street right-of-way and 1,646 square feet for a slope and drainage easement. The Hennion property is located at 1063 and 1065 Terrace Drive.

The city would need this property for public improvements when the Hennion property develops someday, city Public Works Director Mike O'Bryon said.

Because O'Brien is developing first, the land is needed now for full street access, O'Bryon said./Register