FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WOWO): The Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation department could soon utilize a controversial tool for moving ahead on the riverfront development project.

That’s according to Lucretia Cardenas of the Greater Fort Wayne Business Weekly, who tells WOWO news they may have to use eminent domain on a couple of properties.

“Much of the proposed first phase, the City already owns, but there are two pieces of property that the City feels are integral, but they’re privately owned,” Cardenas says. “It does look like they’re willing and able to take eminent domain action if that proves to be the only route.”

She adds the City has made offers to the people who own the properties, but so far they’ve been turned down.