More On Eminent Domain

[StlSluggers]

I thought that no city/jurisdiction would actually go through with an initiative to limit eminent domain. I guess I was wrong. Like it says, this isn't law, but it is sure more than I ever thought I'd see on the books.

MAPLEWOOD, Missouri - A controversial redevelopment plan in Maplewood is off the table.

At 11 a.m. Monday, Maplewood mayor Mark Langston signed a resolution to prohibit the use of eminent domain for private economic development projects if they have no other public purpose.

Last week, hundreds of residents showed up at city hall to protest the city's planned use of eminent domain for a project in a major city area around Manchester Road and Sutton Road.

The resolution is not an enforceable law, but the mayor says he and the city council will keep their word.

"I have yet to see a resolution that the city council did not stand behind. we are giving you our word. This is something we feel very passionate about and this is what we want to do," he said.

A number of residents are hoping that the resolution will become law. An ordinance proposal is expected on the August ballot.

[WharfRat]

Nice. Warms the heart, in a way. Good to see people acting.

We'll probably see a lot of this type of thing as time goes on, I bet. Of course, I still think most local bodies will be blinded by power and the prospects of expanded tax bases. Dangle the carrot and these people can't resist. Maybe I'm a cynic.

[RugbyD]

This is good and there are several more instances like it. I know that IJ is helping out in many.

[BigMusky]

The reason this law exists is so that some individual or small group can not stop the progress of projects for the good of the community. Being in the utility business...it would be nice to see them use eminent domain more often to gain right of way for transmission lines. It takes sometimes more then 10 years to negotiate the right of way for transmission lines...at little bit too slow to keep up with the growing load in the country.

[RugbyD]

wow, no sooner than this post comes up, IJ has filed a motion to have the Kelo case reheard:

http://ij.org/private_property/connecti ... _05pr.html

[beltrans_boy]

Pardon me for asking, but what is eminent domain?

[SaintsOfTheDiamond]

We'll probably see a lot of this type of thing as time goes on, I bet.

I sure hope so.

Of course, I still think most local bodies will be blinded by power and the prospects of expanded tax bases. Dangle the carrot and these people can't resist. Maybe I'm a cynic.

No, you're not too cynical. When it comes to anything involving the common good, the government is the last entity that can be trusted.

[bigh0rt]

Unreal.

[RugbyD]

Pardon me for asking, but what is eminent domain?

The right of the govt to take private land for public use, with the property owner being given just compensation

[beltrans_boy]

Pardon me for asking, but what is eminent domain?

The right of the govt to take private land for public use, with the property owner being given just compensation

Thanks!