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March 15, 2008
Paterson May be a Foe to Eminent Domain
Brownstoner
According to an article in today's Sun, our new governor could end up opposing projects like Atlantic Yards that involve the use of eminent domain. As a state senator, David Paterson participated in a 2005 rally calling for a statewide moratorium on eminent domain. Councilmember Letitia James, who also took part in the rally, says she hopes Paterson's views on the subject haven't changed. "He stood with me and proposed some legislation and I am very hopeful that the lieutenant governor and soon-to-be governor will honor his commitment and will either issue a moratorium or review the abuse of eminent domain across New York City," says James. Steven Spinola, the president of the Real Estate Board of New York, says it's "premature" to make predictions about where Paterson will stand on eminent domain, but that "It would clearly be a mistake for the state to give up one of its powers to get public improvement projects off the ground." Time will certainly tell.
Posted by steve at March 15, 2008 1:24 AM