OP-ED | Eminent Domain on Steroids? A New Bill Threatens Cities and Towns
“How would you feel if a group of people who lived elsewhere in the state and whom no one had elected were to take over certain planning and zoning functions in your town or city and unilaterally make critical decisions about entire neighborhoods – like who could own property there, and what they could do with it?
Although this scenario seems far-fetched, it is clearly outlined in governor’s bill HB 6851, which has just received a public hearing in the General Assembly.
HB 6851 would strip towns and cities of part of their local planning and zoning decision-making authority by transferring it to a board of state-level appointees. It would also permanently expose all those who own property anywhere within half a mile of a rail or bus station to the threat of eminent domain.
On the surface, the purpose of HB 6851 is laudable: to promote transit-oriented development. TOD both encourages the use of public transit and makes it easily accessible to people who cannot or choose not to drive. TOD’s potential beneficiaries include, among others, young professionals, seniors, people with disabilities, and people with limited incomes. Those living outside TOD areas benefit too, from reduced vehicle emissions, less traffic, a multi-generational populace, and concentration of development away from green spaces.
TOD is a concept that many communities would like to pursue. But, under HB 6851, they might not have the chance, because instead, it would be pursued for them by a group of political appointees, without any requirement for local approvals at all.
Here’s the substance of the bill:”
Lavielle, Gail. CT News Junkie 20 March 2015.
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