Can The Supreme Court Stop The Spread Of Blight?

Reason magazine weighs in on the troubling implications of Kelo v. New London. Will any property be secure?

1 minute read

March 2, 2005, 7:00 AM PST

By Chris Steins @planetizen


"Defending the condemnation of homes and businesses to make way for a grandiose redevelopment plan that includes a luxury hotel, condominiums, a health club, office space, and a riverside esplanade, the city of New London, Connecticut, points to the taxes it expects these upscale properties to generate. If the prospect of higher tax revenue justifies the forced transfer of property from one owner to another, O'Connor asked, would it be appropriate for a city to decide that a Motel 6 must give way to a Ritz-Carlton?

'Yes, your honor, it would be,' replied Wesley Horton, New London's lawyer."

Thanks to Chris Steins

Friday, February 25, 2005 in Reason Online

courses user

As someone new to the planning field, Planetizen has been the perfect host guiding me into planning and our complex modern challenges. Corey D, Transportation Planner

As someone new to the planning field, Planetizen has been the perfect host guiding me into planning and our complex modern challenges.

Corey D, Transportation Planner

Ready to give your planning career a boost?

View of dense apartment buildings on Seattle waterfront with high-rise buildings in background.

Seattle Legalizes Co-Living

A new state law requires all Washington cities to allow co-living facilities in areas zoned for multifamily housing.

December 1, 2024 - Smart Cities Dive

SunRail passenger train at platform in Poinciana, Florida.

Central Florida’s SunRail Plans Major Expansion

The expanded train line will connect more destinations to the international airport and other important destinations.

November 24, 2024 - Hoodline

Times Square in New York City empty during the Covid-19 pandemic.

NYC Officials Announce Broadway Pedestrianization Project

Two blocks of the marquee street will become mostly car-free public spaces.

December 1, 2024 - StreetsBlog NYC

Close-up of hand holding small white square thermoelectric generator in lab with computer in background.

Harnessing Waste Heat Through Thermoelectricity

Heat from industrial installations and buildings can be captured to create renewable electricity.

December 3 - Fast Company

Empty street and high-rise buildings in downtown Chicago, Illinois during COvid-19 pandemic.

Major US Cities Still Suffering Downtown Decline

Research shows that the “donut effect” hollowing out central business districts since the pandemic continues to cause economic decline in the 12 largest American cities.

December 3 - Stanford University News

Red City of Terre Haute small transit bus in Terre Haute, Indiana.

Terre Haute Transit Goes Fare-Free

Buses in the Indiana city will be free as of January 2.

December 3 - Indiana Public Media

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.