All it took was a letter – from the city to Mohanna – that mentioned two words: Eminent domain.  That’s the process that lets local governments seize ownership of a property to serve the public good.
 
Mohanna’s lawyer is Myron Moskovitz.
 
Moskovitz: “We engage in negotiations in good faith.  They seem to be going well.  And then – wham!  They come down with this eminent domain hammer without telling us.  So we can’t trust them.” 
 
City officials say redeveloping K Street is just too important to risk negotiations falling apart once again.

They hope the talks with Mohanna will lead to a deal – and say the eminent domain process is just another option they’re exploring.