Court Rules on Abuse of Eminent Domain

The Colorado Supreme Court overturned a city's effort to condemn part of a lake to make way for a Wal-Mart development.

1 minute read

March 3, 2004, 12:00 PM PST

By Erin Clark


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.'"

Thanks to Erin Clark

Tuesday, March 2, 2004 in The Denver Post

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