California: There’s a strange situation in California. San Diego State University unveiled a plan for new student housing and some retail and insist they will only acquire land from “willing sellers.” A week later, the San Diego Redevelopment Agency unveiled a redevelopment plan that included much of the property in the SDSU plan. The Redevelopment Agency’s plan, however, would most likely utilize eminent domain.
And in Baldwin Park, the San Gabriel Valley Tribune laments the possibility that the weak protections of the recently passed Prop. 99 might inhibit the city from using eminent domain on several homes and businesses for a redevelopment project.
Connecticut: Last night, Fox News Channel’s Special Report with Brit Hume took a look at the “progress” at Fort Trumbull. Video here.
Meanwhile, in Norwalk, a developer moves ahead with the threat of eminent domain, while nine owners plan on keeping their property.
Minnesota: Officials in the Minneapolis suburb of Hopkins want to build luxury apartments are moving forward with eminent domain to get the land they want.
New Jersey: The Courier Post calls on Haddon Township to slim down their redevelopment areas and take away the possibility of eminent domain.
Also in the Courier Post, Camden originally wanted to take 140 properties for its 51-acre Lanning Square project. This week, city council officials introduced an ordinance for the area that calls for the possible acquisition of three homes and six commercial/residential properties in the neighborhood. While there are several others on the list, these nine seem appear to be the only ones occupied. Residents are still worried that the plan could be amended in the future to include other occupied property in the neighborhood, however.
Missouri: The recent state Supreme Court decision on inverse condemnation might have some unintended consequences for property owners. The decision said that property owners can sue for damages resulting from a blight designation, but at least one attorney thinks the decision may encourage cities to condemn quickly to avoid having the possibility of paying for damages later.