Proposition 1 defines when city can determine “blight,” eminent domain for development
“A city charter amendment on the April 2 ballot is intended to reduce the threat of eminent domain and blight associated with enhanced enterprise zones and other state or federal economic development programs.
The Columbia City Council at its Nov. 19 meeting unanimously voted to place the charter amendment on the ballot. It would prevent the city from using eminent domain to acquire property for economic development with the intention of transferring seized property to private entities.
The proposed charter amendment is on the ballot as city Proposition 1. It came about because of a controversy last year over whether to establish one or more EEZs in Columbia. Residents became wary of the EEZ blight designation that targeted a large area of the city, saying that would render areas within an EEZ easy prey for the use of eminent domain.
The proposed amendment also declares that the designation of property as “blighted” to qualify for incentive programs cannot be used to justify the use of eminent domain.”
Lamar, Valentine. The Missourian 26 March 2013.