Local Homeowners Rally to Defeat City’s Attempt to Repeal Eminent Domain Ban
About 275 acres of land in the town of Placentia are situated within a redevelopment area. Since 1983 the City has had a ban on the use of eminent domain for taking residential properties for acquisition by other private parties. However, in July 2002 that prohibition expired, and the City Council considered eliminating the ban altogether. At the next council meeting, more than 100 angry residents packed City Hall to voice their opposition. After hearing 90 minutes of speeches from outraged homeowners in the targeted area, the City Council voted unanimously to extend the eminent domain ban for another 12 years.1
1 Patrick Vuong, “Ban Extended on Eminent Domain Use,” The Orange County Register, Aug. 22, 2002.