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August 24, 2007
EMINENT DOMAINIA
The Kansas City Star, Missouri governor appoints eminent domain ombudsman
Here's an idea for states that are serious about safeguarding property rights:
There’s a new czar in Jefferson City, and his job is to help protect people’s property rights.
Gov. Matt Blunt on Thursday announced he had appointed an eminent domain ombudsman, a position in the Office of Public Counsel that lawmakers created to help citizens in disputes with governments over land-takings.
NoLandGrab: Forget New York State since meaningful legislative reform is not expected in the foreseeable future, an eminent domain ombudsman would only enforce the state's own laws, which are written to grease the skids for easy pickins.
The Deleware News Journal, Eminent domain efforts may backfire
Though the landmark Kelo case allowed for private property to be condemned for economic development, this case in Wilmington is more akin to the case against Bruce Ratner's Atlantic Yards plan, because under the respective state laws, the area must be considered "blighted."
The Salt Lake Tribune, The little guy fights back against abuse of eminent domain
A community group threatened with condemnation fought back with the help of the Institute for Justice National City gave in after the developer agreed to redesign the condo project.
The Cincinnati Enquierer, Norwood quarreling continues
More than a year ago, the Ohio State Supreme Court ruled in favor of the Norwood property owners. Why are the City, developer and property owners still in court?
Hint: the developer wants his money back and the property owners want to be compensated for the home that was looted and trashed after they were forced by the city to evacuate.
Institute for Justice, Manual de Supervivencia contra el Uso Abusivo del Dominio Eminente
The Institute for Justice's "Eminent Domain Survival Guide" is translated into Español.
From the press release:
The Manual de Supervivencia is especially useful in explaining the concept of eminent domain abuse, which the U.S. Supreme Court ruled was constitutional two years ago in Kelo v. City of New London. This translation helps navigate threatened property owners through the eminent domain process, giving readers the tools they need to fight back. In addition, it provides Spanish speakers with the English vocabulary they will encounter as they defend their property. The Manual de Supervivencia is available at http://www.castlecoalition.org/Espanol.
“In the past, the Spanish-speaking population has had limited access to the vital information necessary to save their homes and small businesses from eminent domain abuse,” said Steven Anderson, director of the Institute for Justice’s Castle Coalition. “With the Manual de Supervivencia, those days are now over.”
Posted by lumi at August 24, 2007 8:13 AM