Eminent Domain Abuse In Bay Area Redevelopment?

In light of Kelo v. New London, Carol Lloyd discusses some Bay Area cities' controversial use of eminent domain as a redevelopment tool. The State of California requires that urban redevelopment zones exhibit blight before a locality may consider eminent domain. Some local residents, especially those in locations attractive to development, believe a declaration of blight threatens their homes.

In San Jose, which Lloyd writes "declared a full third of its area 'blighted,'" the city has used the drawing of redevelopment zones as a way of directing property tax increments, including those from Silicon Valley industry, into investments for specific neighborhoods in need. However, given the possibility of eminent domain, a resident of one such redevelopment zone asks, "Do I really own my home?"

Thanks to Michael Patrick