The Minnesota Supreme Court has turned down a request to hear a final challenge to the city of Eagan's taking of three properties through eminent domain. The city plans to create a mixed-use development, called Cedar Grove, in the area, but progress stalled with the economy, and the three affected businesses challenged the city's authority.

The Supreme Court earlier sided with the city that the area near Hwy. 13 and Cedar Avenue was blighted. In December, the Minnesota Court of Appeals also sided with the city.

U-Haul appealed the December decision but the Supreme Court has refused to hear the case. As a result, the city and U-Haul will resume their ongoing court case over the proper value for the property, said Tom Hedges, Eagan's city administrator.

HERÓN MÁRQUEZ ESTRADA