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October 22, 2005
Eminent Domain - the People Fight Back!
As the tide turns on acceptance of eminent domain, everyone from landowners to taxpayers to politicians is trying their hand at stopping the insanity...
Stadium Property Owners Balking: Property owners in the area of a proposed stadium in DC are starting to realize they've been offered a raw deal - "The city gave the 23 property owners on the site, near South Capitol Street and the Navy Yard in Southeast, until yesterday to accept offers that total $97 million. Only one owner agreed to sell."
Protests Against Eminent Domain Speak to Deeper Problem: Distrust - Kelo and New Orleans show how eminent domain abuse exhibits reverse Robin Hood syndrome: "There’s a deeper distrust at play here. Many opponents feel alienated from their elected leaders, and disenfranchised with respect to property rights. It’s not just that government can seize your property, it’s that government is taking it to benefit people who matter more — because they can pay more."
New London council reinstates development corporation: Although this is more backpedaling than victory, it shows that city councils CAN demand oversight of local projects:
In September, the development authority sent letters ordering some residents to vacate their houses.That angered Gov. M. Jodi Rell, who put pressure on the agency to rescind the letters. State officials had asked cities and towns to hold off on seizing property until the legislature had a chance to review the state's eminent domain laws.
The notices also enraged the City Council, and led to last Monday's vote to sever ties with the development corporation.
Posted by amy at October 22, 2005 10:24 AM