Crackdown aims at loopholes that allow developers to skirt Pittsburgh deed tax
“For years, buyers of some of the most prominent properties near and in Downtown have exploited loopholes in state law to avoid paying deed transfer tax. Now the city school district has found a way…
Nichols files bill prohibiting eminent domain for parks
“Montgomery County lawmaker Robert Nichols, R-Jacksonville, wants to prohibit government bodies from condemning land, or eminent domain, for recreational purposes. Nichols, a state senator in his third session, filed Senate Bill 178, which would forbid…
Salute to Schwall: the Tellico Dam eviction stories
“As we say a fond farewell to Ken Schwall, who is retiring this month after more than 35 years at WBIR, we are looking back at some his most memorable stories. Most viewers know Ken…
Brazil Rio: Rare victory for residents in regeneration battle
“Like a sort of officially sanctioned graffiti, the initials of the housing department of Rio de Janeiro were sprayed on homes marked for demolition. Almost 900 families, many of which lived on Rua da Esperanca…
Eminent domain issue spurs outcry
“Flower Mound Town Councilmembers tabled action Monday on plans to acquire a half-acre property through eminent domain after the issue flared on social media over the weekend, prompting residents to decry using condemnation to take…
Taking action on blighted properties
“People shouldn’t have to live in or near “unsightly or unsafe properties,” said state Sen. Martha Fuller Clark, sponsor of a bill that would give municipalities the authority to fine owners of “blighted” properties up…
Boston will not use eminent domain to build an Olympic stadium [updated with clarification]
“….. Unfortunately, some other cities continue to condemn property to build sports stadiums, even though studies by experts across the political spectrum almost uniformly show that public subsidization of sports stadiums harms local economies more…
City to discuss Moongate Water Co., at Tuesday meeting
“City councilors on Tuesday will consider rescinding a 2011 resolution in which they voted to pursue using eminent domain to take over Moongate Water Co. infrastructure. The step would be a precursor to a proposed…
Saugerties holds off on anti-pipeline resolution
“The Town Board got an earful from opponents of a proposed oil pipeline, but decided against passing a resolution to oppose the project until it receives more information. Sue Rosenberg of Citizens Against Pilgrim Pipeline…
City considers using eminent domain to keep major employer
“A bill that would allow the city to buy land in north St. Louis using eminent domain to create room for a new home for the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency (NGA) is moving forward. The…