Supreme Court OKs Eminent Domain For Economic Development

"In a decision fraught with huge implications for rapidly growing urban and suburban areas, the US Supreme Court on Thursday ruled that local governments may seize people's homes and businesses -- even against their will -- for private economic development. The 5-4 ruling represented a defeat for some Connecticut residents whose homes are slated for destruction to make room for an office complex. They argued that cities have no right to take their land except for projects with a clear public use, such as roads or schools, or to revitalize blighted areas. As a result of the ruling, cities have wide power to bulldoze residences for projects such as shopping malls and hotel complexes in order to generate tax revenue."

[Thanks to Jason Newman, David Cookson, Matt Dugan, Michael Marrella, and Maya Sarkar for submitting the following related links.]

The New York Times: Justices, 5-4, Back Seizure of Property for Development
Washington Post: Supreme Court Rules Cities May Seize Homes