Eminent Domain

Inspiration for Kelo Case Leaves Town

Drugmaker Pfizer has announced plans to move offices and 1,400 employees out of New London, Connecticut, where it had ignited a heated debate over eminent domain that spawned the landmark Kelo v. New London Supreme Court case. Locals are not happy.

November 15, 2009 - The New York Times

New London, Four Years After Kelo

The 2005 Supreme Court decision on Kelo v. New London was a landmark in eminent domain law, paving the way for Pfizer to develop there. Four years later, Pfizer is pulling up stakes.

November 13, 2009 - The Hartford Courant

Understanding Atlantic Yards

Katherine Melia explains the relevant points on the Atlantic Yards controversy in Brooklyn for those not embroiled in the controversy over eminent domain, starchitecture, and more.

August 5, 2009 - Next American City

Sotomayor on Property Rights

Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor was part of an appeals-court panel in 2006 that favored a private developer with the authority to seize land by eminent domain.

July 27, 2009 - The Christian Science Monitor

Supreme Court Nominee's Eminent Domain Experience

Back in 2006, Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor had a role in a controversial eminent domain ruling. Reason magazine takes a look at the decision and what it might mean for property rights if she's confirmed to the Court.

July 3, 2009 - Reason

Candidates Take Stance on Urban Issues

City Limits breaks down the differences between the two presidential candidates with a focus on urban issues.

November 2, 2008 - City Limits

Eminent Domain: People Don't Like It

Monmouth County residents give their opinion on eminent domain, illustrating the growing concern and awareness of the general public of this tool.

August 22, 2008 - The Coaster

Property Owners Spooked By Eminent Domain Letter

1,300 property owners in Camden, New Jersey whose homes are in a new redevelopment zone were sent letters explaining eminent domain, but the city says it has no intention of taking their homes.

July 28, 2008 - The Philadelphia Inquirer

Controversial $3 Billion Queens Redevelopment Plan Clears Hurdle

It's known as the Iron Triangle, though some call the sewerless 13-block collection of auto junkyards just east of Shea Stadium an eyesore and disgrace. A controversial application of eminent domain is at the heart of the $3 billion makeover plan.

July 7, 2008 - Queens Chronicle

Gas Pipelines Through Neighborhoods Are A Difficult Proposition

Fort Worth, Texas officials try to tackle the thorny issue of gas pipelines snaking through residential neighborhoods.

June 25, 2008 - Fort Worth Star-Telegram

California Voters Show Support for Redevelopment

Election Day provided a big boost for proponents of redevelopment in California. A statewide measure to restrict use of eminent domain lost badly, while voters in San Francisco and Napa County showed support for redevelopment projects.

June 4, 2008 - California Planning & Development Report

Eminent Domain Used to Save Summer Camp

Representatives in North Providence, RI are attempting to save a site used for a camp for inner-city youth from developers, and may resort to using eminent domain to do so.

May 28, 2008 - www.redorbit.com

Eminent Domain Through A Lense

A provocative new exhibition at the New York Public Library challenges new bans on taking pictures in public space, and proposes the idea that photography is in some ways an exercise of eminent domain.

May 23, 2008 - The New York Times

Green Neighborhood Plan Has Residents Riled

As Mayor Bloomberg moves forward with an eco-friendly redevelopment for the crumbling Willets Point neighborhood, locals feel pushed aside and complain that eminent domain is out of control.

May 23, 2008 - The Christian Science Monitor

Eminent Domain Back On The Ballot In California

Two ballot measures -- one sponsored by property owners, the other by local government groups and businesses -- seek to tighten the rules around eminent domain, and potentially end rent control in the state.

May 2, 2008 - San Jose Mercury News

Ballot Measure to Weigh Eminent Domain in California

Two ballot measures on the June ballot in California will challenge the state's eminent domain and rent control rules.

March 23, 2008 - The San Francisco Chronicle

Is eminent domain necessary for revitalizing cities?

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.

January 9, 2008 - Samuel Staley

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.

November 18, 2007 - Lisa Feldstein

News from HUD User

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

Call for Speakers

Mpact Transit + Community

New Updates on PD&R Edge

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

Top Books

An annual review of books related to planning.

Top Websites

The best of the Internet—since 2002.

Top Apps

Planning apps for a brave new world.

Top Schools

The definitive ranking of graduate planning programs.

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.