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The Power of "Eminent Domain"

Life-shattering power wielded by the government...
bulldozer
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Economic development alone can justify the demolition of a perfectly good neighborhood
 

Despotism in New London


Life-shattering power wielded by the government
By George F. Will - Washington Post #913E03

The Fifth Amendment says, among other things: "nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation" (emphasis added). Every state constitution also stipulates takings only for "public use." The framers of the Bill of Rights used language carefully; clearly they intended the adjective "public" to restrict government takings to uses that are directly owned or primarily used by the general public, such as roads, bridges or public buildings. full article >
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aerialmap
 newLondon - aerial

Fort Trumbull development area, New London, CT
aerial photography by Roger Riley {Riley Photographics}

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The hard rains started falling in 2000 in New London. CT...


Confiscate land and charge back rent for the years the owners fought confiscation.

After the completion of the case, the city expects to receive retroactive "use and occupancy" payments (also known as "rent") from the residents. (!#@!)

keloIn the letter, lawyers argued that because the takeover took place in 2000, the residents had been living on city property for nearly five years, and would therefore owe rent for the duration of their stay at the close of the trial. Any money made from tenants (for some residents, their only form of income) would also have to be paid to the city.

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razingThis Land is Our Land
[These days it seems,] economic development alone could justify the demolition of a perfectly good neighborhood, especially when so many residents wanted to stay. Iif private property can be taken away simply because another party thinks it can generate even more revenue from it, then no one's property would be safe. full article >
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