City unwisely abuses ‘blight,’ eminent domain
“An enhanced enterprise zone, or “blight,” is a powerful legal instrument that can revitalize an area. Used wisely, it can help restore a downtrodden industrial plant or a shuttered shopping mall. The Columbia City Council…
Residents’ fears of eminent domain are justified
“Local economic development interests, working primarily through the Regional Economic Development Inc. (REDI), have asked the Columbia City Council to pass ordinances setting up an enhanced enterprise zone (EEZ) in Columbia. The rationale is to…
Hallsville farmers face eminent domain
“It’s a rare situation involving eminent domain that leaves some wondering whether the city is overstepping its boundaries. “Homeowners like me call it ‘government theft,’ ” said Hallsville resident Robert Cavanaugh, who said the city’s…
St. Louis Regional Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Best Practices Guide
“Eminent domain is the exercise of state power to seize private property or rights-in-property without the owner’s consent, though it does legally require “just compensation.” The City of Denver’s Transit- Oriented Development Strategic Plan explicitly…