City officials in Lewiston say they have reached a tentative deal with a downtown property owner who has been fighting with the city over his land.

That’s good news.

According to City Administrator Jim Bennett, Rick Hollis will receive $240,000 for his three empty lots on Main Street. Another $10,000 will be put into escrow for Hollis, if certain conditions are met.

Hollis has been in a running feud with the city since his business, Lewiston Radiator Works, was destroyed by a natural gas pipe explosion. The city wants his property for its gateway project and had both negotiated with Hollis and considered taking his property by eminent domain.

Eminent domain is an ugly instrument for city redevelopment. It inevitably leads to hurt feelings and pits the city against individual property rights. The tactic is best avoided.

Hollis has stood his ground. Last week he parked two broken-down school buses on his property in protest. The buses were adorned with a pointed message to the city and may have nudged negotiations along.

While the city was using the coercive club of eminent domain, Hollis responded with the loudspeaker of protest and public opinion.

If the issue of Hollis’ property is truly settled, then both sides benefit.