 OTA began filing condemnation suits for homes within the Creek Turnpike 's proposed right @-@ of @-@ way on June 30 , 1989 . Condemnation , the process by which a government exercises its powers of eminent domain , was required for OTA to seize properties necessary for the project when owners refused OTA buyout offers . Bids were opened for Creek Turnpike construction projects that November . Contracts for utility relocation , grading , and drainage work were awarded at OTA 's November 16 meeting . Meanwhile , work began on the condemned properties , with contractors moving or demolishing houses on the affected lots from December 1989 to January 1990 . 
