Bill would give Rowan-Rutgers partnership new powers
“A board created to oversee a new health sciences partnership between Rowan University and Rutgers-Camden would gain eminent domain powers under a bill that cleared the Senate budget committee Monday. The bill, sponsored by Senate…
Wilderness Act Turns 50 As Eminent Domain Battle Brews
“The Wilderness Act turns 50 this year, but pending public land acquisitions and possible eminent domain actions by the federal government make the anniversary of the law a controversial one. The legislation allowed for the…
Environment, conservation on tap at 2014 Kentucky General Assembly
“But we will also be tracking how opponents of the Bluegrass Pipeline want to pass bills that would establish a siting and Public Service Commission process for pipelines carrying hazardous liquids, and that they want…
2014 General Assembly readies for opening day
“Sonnenberg also intends to be a sponsor on another controversial holdover from 2013: the bill to grant eminent domain rights to oil pipeline companies. As to whether the 2014 session will be a repeat of…
Ellisville Tightens Eminent Domain Law
“In the wake of a Walmart fiasco that almost kicked-out hundreds of renting residents, Ellisville has tightened the rules on eminent domain. The city council passed new rules this week that, as Mayor Adam Paul…
Many high-profile projects in Colorado have gotten help from tax increment financing
“City for Champions — four dreams of Colorado Springs civic leaders — could become reality through heavy use of development incentives known as tax increment financing. The $250 million plan to build an Olympic museum,…
It’s Time to End Uncivil Discourse
“As State Representative, I am accustomed to hearing from constituents as they present their views and positions on issues being addressed in Harrisburg and here at home. Some agree with me. Some do not. But,…
Don’t let extremists, unnecessary laws stymie pipeline
“I felt like the mayor had, at best, a nonchalant attitude toward private-property rights. Worse, she seemed willing to allow much-too-low threshold for the taking of private property – especially for potential uses by other…
You are safe from the king, but watch out for the park board
“he common man came to acquire land, i.e., land he could legally protect not only from his noble and not-so-noble neighbors, but also from the crown. In fact, John Locke, the English philosopher, would eventually…
Land grab: Does Washington’s eminent domain law go too far?
“Some cities in Washington state are abusing the power of eminent domain, and the law needs fixing, reform advocates say. The Seattle City Council, for example, used eminent domain to take a parking lot from…