Eminent domain measure goes to voters in Columbia Missouri

Columbia voters will have the chance to decide whether to limit the city’s power of eminent domain to acquire property for economic development and prohibit the city from using blight declarations as a first step to acquiring property. The Columbia City Council agreed last night to put the measure before Columbia voters on the April 2 ballot. If approved, it would amend the city charter to make the changes. Sixth Ward Councilwoman Barbara Hoppe proposed the ballot language in response to resistance to the establishment of an enhanced enterprise zone. Residents have expressed concerns that the EEZ program might allow for abuse of eminent domain powers because of a blight declaration the Missouri Department of Economic Development requires for the program.

Denney, Andrew. The Columbia Daily Tribune 20 November 2012.