For the purpose of building any such track the right of way may be taken over and across the property of either or all of such railroad corporations and by and with consent of the council of such city or town such connecting track may be laid across or along any of the streets of such city or town or the public grounds thereof. But such compensation shall be made to abutting landowners as they may be entitled to by law. In case it should be necessary for such connecting track to cross any private property other than as above specified, the right of condemnation is hereby given under the provisions of this Code upon the subject, to be exercised upon the application of either or all of such railroad corporations.
S.C. Code § 58-17-2660