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Straban Township is moving closer to using eminent domain to obtain a right of way necessary for the construction of a shopping center with a Walmart Supercenter east of Gettysburg.

Township Solicitor Walton Davis was authorized Monday evening to begin eminent domain proceedings, including calling appraisers and coordinating legal efforts with the development team planning the Gettysburg Crossing shopping center.

Davis was authorized by a unanimous vote from the township supervisors.

"Just so everybody knows, this isn't something we like. But it's where we are right now," said Supervisor Sharon Hamm.

Shopping center developers have been unable to reach an agreement to acquire a right of way with one commercial property owner in the area of Shealer Road and Route 30. They've declined to identify the holdout property.

The rights of way are necessary for road improvements, such as the expansion of Route 30, to support increased traffic brought about by the Walmart Supercenter and other retailers.

Such improvements include adding eastbound and westbound lanes on Route 30 and fall under the supervisors' capital-improvement plan to enhance municipal roads. The supervisors have said they would use eminent domain as a last resort to ensure the work is completed.

The supervisors vote, though, did not actually seize the land. That will require the adoption of a "declaration of taking," which would be the next step in the

"What this does do is allow me to research the properties that maybe have not yet come to an agreement," Davis explained.

If negotiations continue to stall, the township will then be forced to adopt a declaration of taking, Davis said.

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Straban Township moves closer to eminent domain