Court Rules on Abuse of Eminent Domain

A recent court case has led to renewed concern over the reaches of government powers to condemn property for economic development purposes. The Urban Renewal Authority of Arvada, CO, initially sought to add a portion of a lake to an adjacent urban renewal district in an effort to "woo" a Wal-Mart development. "'I think the court is sending a message to urban renewal authorities - you've gone too far,' said Allan Hale, a Denver lawyer who specializes in eminent domain law. 'The courts have not reined them in, until now.'"