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Exercising Eminent Domain for Private Developers

Posted by: Alek Miller

24 November 2009 - 1:00pm

A New York Court of Appeals ruled in favor of a private developer, who plans to build a basketball arena in Brooklyn, validating the state's use of eminent domain on his behalf. A local group says the fight is just beginning.

"The Court of Appeals ruled that the state could exercise eminent domain in seizing the 22 acres, much of which sits within an urban redevelopment area, for Atlantic Yards. Critics of the project had argued that eminent domain on behalf of a private developer was improper and a violation of the state’s Constitution.

'Once again the courts have made it clear that this project represents a significant public benefit for the people of Brooklyn and the entire city,' [developer Bruce] Ratner said. 'Our commitment to the entire project is as strong today as when we started six years ago. Today, however, this project is even more important given the need for jobs and economic development.'"

Full Story: Atlantic Yards Project Clears Legal Hurdle
Source: The New York Times, November 24, 2009
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Submitted by Ricardo on Tue, 11/24/2009 - 15:10.

So taking property from one private part and giving it to another private party to build a professional basketball stadium for the privately owned New Jersey Nets is a public benefit? Wow, and I thought the Kelo ruling was BS. It is truly scary for the unconnected little guy out there if the government can use such tortured reasonsing to steal your property.

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