‘It still hurts’: Fight to save home scars one Fort Trumbull family
“Cristofaro was one of six plaintiffs in Kelo v. City of New London who fought the government takings; they lost and eventually were compensated for their land and forced out. The case put the city on the map. The details are taught at law schools and recently became an answer on “Jeopardy.” The case was also featured in an episode of a recent PBS series, “Constitution USA,” in which Cristofaro appeared.
Since the decision, 42 states have enacted legislation or passed ballot measures that limit the way eminent domain can be used, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.
In 2007, Connecticut limited the use of eminent domain. The state did not ban use of eminent domain for economic development but prohibited property from being taken solely to boost property taxes.
The Institute for Justice, a civil liberties law firm that took on the Kelo case pro bono, said more than 16,000 homes and businesses have been saved since the Supreme Court decision.
“The Fort Trumbull debacle remains Exhibit A throughout the nation as to what happens when government abuses eminent domain and provides massive corporate welfare to private interests,” said attorney Scott Bullock, of the institute, based in Arlington, Va..”
Edgecomb, Kathleen. THe Day 23 June 2013.