Maryland Considers New Eminent Domain Laws

"Echoing a national trend, state politicians are moving to reform the law, known as eminent domain, that allows governments to seize private property for redevelopment projects. There are more than 40 different bills in circulation in Annapolis right now containing a number of proposalsâ€"ranging from instituting a constitutional amendment to ban certain types of property seizure to altering the compensation offered to individuals whose property is seizedâ€"seeking to curb muncipalities' ability to condemn private property using eminent domain."

"Under current Maryland law, compensation for an eminent-domain condemned property is calculated based on a determination of the land’s fair market value, which is the highest possible price a willing seller would accept for the best use of the property. If property owners are dissatisfied with the amount offered, they can seek redress in the courts."

"Our essential point is that eminent domain has been critically important to the economic redevelopment of Baltimore, and continues to be," city solicitor Ralph Tyler says. "It would be a mistake to enact laws that would radically change the law."