Reader’s Watchdog: Farms at stake in battle over lake
“But to build the new water source for Osceola and residents of other cities and counties, the Clarke County Reservoir Commission would have to acquire or take about 2,040 acres of private land from 58…
Our View: Deal helps avoid dubious use of eminent domain
“Last year, in order to help push along the stalled plans for an office park north of Interstate 80, Iowa City officials decided the city should try invoking its power of eminent domain to seize…
Iowa City reaches $700K settlement with NCS Pearson
“NCS Pearson and the city of Iowa City have reached a sizable settlement agreement to resolve an eminent domain dispute that wound up in court last year. The company filed a voluntary dismissal of its…
New eminent domain bill brings a wash of concerns during legislative luncheon
“On the tables during the luncheon, there was a copy of House File 2411, a bill for “an act relating to state and local government powers and limitations, including authorizing loans from city reserve funds…
Eminent domain dispute on Alice’s Road corridor dismissed
“An independent attorney contracted by the city of West Des Moines has issued an opinion dismissing the claims of a resident who believes the city unlawfully seized her land for construction along the Alice’s Road/105th…
City to use eminent domain to demolish burned warehouse
“Plans to demolish a south side warehouse torched by arsonists last year are moving ahead in City Hall. The city’s Urban Design Review Board Tuesday recommended the City Council use eminent domain to take possession…
Agendas for Supervisors and Milestone Board and Advisory Council
“The Appanoose County Board of Supervisors will meet Tuesday, Feb. 18 at 9 a.m. in the boardroom of the Courthouse. Items on the agenda include approval of Feb. 3 meeting minutes, Eminent Domain Commission appointment,…
THE TROUBLE WITH TIF: Tax incentive plan can do more harm than good, researchers say
“TIF too often strays from its core purpose — to redevelop blighted areas and promote economic development — found the report’s authors, economist Peter Fisher, Ph.D. research director of the nonpartisan Iowa Policy Project; and…
Business Watch: Study shows jump in TIF districts in Iowa
“Between 2000 and 2012, the number of urban renewal districts using tax increment financing grew to 1,614 from 1,125, a 43 percent increase, the Iowa Department of Revenue said in a study. Tax increment financing,…
Iowa GOP lawmakers propose limits on eminent domain, Rock Island Clean Line
“Three eastern Iowa legislators say they will co-sponsor bills to strengthen Iowans’ private property rights by limiting the taking of private property through the use of eminent domain to “public use” purposes. The target of…