RTD TOD and House Bill 08-1278
“After hearing emotional testimony from some property owners whose land is being taken for use along a light-rail line, the House Transportation Committee passed an amended bill Tuesday that places curbs on RTD’s power of eminent domain.
RTD general manager Cal Marsella told lawmakers his agency pays “fair market value” for land taken through eminent domain.
RTD may solicit interest from private developers for building up to four additional floors of commercial space above the parking garage, he said.
If private companies develop the “air rights” above the “footprint” RTD needs for parking, the agency might be able to save money for taxpayers, Marsella said. But he added, “I want to dispel the notion we’re in the development business. We’re not.””
Leib, Jeffery. The Denver Post 20 February 2008.