In yet another chapter relating to the frequently debated North County Corridor Expressway, members of the Stanislaus County Board of Supervisors got an earful at their meeting earlier this month.

Specifically, at the Dec. 19 session, the board took comments regarding a potential property acquisition for the project, an acquisition that would force either the likely relocation or the possible closure of the longstanding Rodin Farms fruit stand at the southwest corner of Claribel and Oakdale roads in Riverbank. The stand is diagonally across the street from the existing Crossroads shopping center and also in the vicinity of the planned new Costco near Crossroads.

But county officials said acquisition of the acreage that includes the fruit stand is needed to clear the way for a turn lane that will put traffic onto southbound Oakdale Road.

The expressway project is making slow progress but supporters of the family-owned fruit stand were hoping to halt that progress when it comes to the Rodin operation.

According to county officials, about five acres is needed in that area, which would include the fruit stand business along with some almond orchard acreage and adjoining properties.

So far, in roughly a year of negotiations, official said there hasn’t been any agreement reached on price for the property or compensation for the expenses to relocate.

Several people addressed the board, in effect asking them to reconsider forcing Rodin Farms’ hand, pointing to the success of the longstanding business, the fact that the farm employs local residents and adds to the county economy, along with supporting numerous fundraisers throughout the years.

Agreeing that it isn’t an easy process, the supervisors nonetheless agreed to exercise the right to eminent domain proceedings. However, they said the decision will also allow for negotiations to continue regarding certain issues.

Supervisor Buck Condit, who represents Riverbank and Oakdale on the county board, had asked whether the decision could be postposed but county Public Works officials said it needed to be made, as the clock continues to tick on the project.

As proposed, the North County Corridor is an expressway – roughly 18 miles total – that would effectively bypass east-west traffic around the communities of Modesto, Oakdale and Riverbank while connecting the eastern part of Stanislaus County to Highway 99.