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Downtown Plaza Fight: City Can Take Over Old Macy's Building, Judge Rules

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) – The City of Sacramento is now clear take over the final piece of the property in the path of a new Sacramento Kings arena.

Sacramento County Superior Court Judge Raymond M. Cadei confirmed Thursday his ruling made earlier in the week that the city could acquire the former Macy's men's store at Downtown Plaza under eminent domain.

Disagreement over the asking price for the vacant building had been the sticking point between the city and the building's owners. Its owners are asking for $10 million, while the city only believes it is worth $4 million.

Judge Cadei tentatively ruled in favor of the city at a hearing Tuesday, but decided on Wednesday to hold off on making a final decision after hearing from both sides of the issue.

"We are pleased by the ruling and thank the City and other partners for their leadership on this issue. Today's news moves us yet another step closer to breaking ground and building a truly world-class entertainment and sports complex that will revitalize downtown Sacramento and cement the Kings long-term future in this incredible community," Kings President Chris Granger said in a statement on the ruling.

With Cadei's ruling now confirmed, the city can take hold of the property. If all goes according to plan for the city, demolition of the Downtown Plaza is scheduled to begin sometime this spring.

"From day one, our community has played to win, and I'm proud that once again we have stood up to outsiders working against our best interests," Mayor Kevin Johnson wrote in a post to his Facebook page.

Construction of the new arena is scheduled to begin in the fall.

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