City unwisely abuses ‘blight,’ eminent domain
“An enhanced enterprise zone, or “blight,” is a powerful legal instrument that can revitalize an area. Used wisely, it can help restore a downtrodden industrial plant or a shuttered shopping mall. The Columbia City Council has used this tool like a blunt instrument.
There are specific tracts that would benefit from designation as an enhanced enterprise zone, such as the old Osco Drug building, closed more than 10 years. Yet this building is not in the zone. My property on Oakland Gravel Road, a nice brick home that I keep well maintained, is supposedly “blighted.” The rental house across the street, which needs paint and has an old couch on the porch, is not “blighted.” None of this makes any sense.
Eminent domain is rightly used to make new roads, or expand a school. Eminent domain abuse occurs when public condemnation of a property is used for private gain. “Blighted” areas have been subjected to eminent domain abuse around the country. Despite proponents’ claims to the contrary, eminent domain can and will be used to force the sale of properties in blighted areas, usually at fire sale prices.”
Lile, Lawrence. The Columbia Daily Tribune : Letters To The Editor 2 March 2012.