Planners are split on eminent domain—one group believes it’s a critical component of planning since it allows them to implement plans more quickly. Others believe eminent domain does more to destroy urbanism than build it up. I’ve weighed in on it numerous times, including this commentary published by Planetizen.
Eminent Domain
Understanding Atlantic Yards
The Planetizen News Brief - 7/30/09
4:40 minutes (4.34 MB)
Concerns over the Supreme Court nominee's eminent domain leanings, Chicago's expensive Olympic bid, and Brazil's even more expensive World Cup -- all on this week's Planetizen News Brief, airing weekly on the nationally-syndicated radio show "Smart City". Read, listen or download.
Sotomayor on Property Rights
Supreme Court Nominee's Eminent Domain Experience
Candidates Take Stance on Urban Issues
Eminent Domain: People Don't Like It
Property Owners Spooked By Eminent Domain Letter
Controversial $3 Billion Queens Redevelopment Plan Clears Hurdle
Gas Pipelines Through Neighborhoods Are A Difficult Proposition
California Voters Show Support for Redevelopment
Eminent Domain Used to Save Summer Camp
Eminent Domain Through A Lense
Green Neighborhood Plan Has Residents Riled
Eminent Domain Back On The Ballot In California
Ballot Measure to Weigh Eminent Domain in California

Libertarians v. Planners - Round II
Last year California was one of the states targeted by libertarians in the post-Kelo environment for an initiative that, if successful, would essentially outlaw takings. The country is still at near-fever pitch about eminent domain, but the really scary aspect of the legislation (modeled on Oregon's Prop 37) was that it would have virtually tied local governments' hands with regard to regulatory takings as well. In California Proposition 90 failed to pass after the New York developer who was financing the campaign stopped funding it. However, the Yes campaign had created some strange bedfellows, with poor African-Americans in particular advocating Yes votes as a way to end the destruction of their neighborhoods through badly managed redevelopment initiatives.




















