Alabaster residents, get ready.

It’s ugly now; and it’s only going to get worse.

That’s the word from city hall these days regarding the eminent domain takeover of several pieces of property in what has been determined by city officials to be a &uot;blighted&uot; area.

The reasoning: the construction of an enormous commercial center, which will include a WalMart Supercenter at Exit 238 and Interstate 65 will be a huge benefit to the city (tax dollars, proximity to shopping areas for residents).

The problem: some residents in the area simply refuse to sell under any circumstances.

We understand city officials’ desire to provide for Alabaster citizens.

We also understand the desire of some residents not to lose the only homes they have ever known.

What a pickle we find ourselves in.

It is our sincere hope that city officials will continue to work with developers and homeowners alike to find the most amiable solution to this dilemma.

That will be what is best for the city of Alabaster.