The Country's Largest Eminent Domain Seizure?

A small Florida town is the center of another eminent domain controversy -- one that could displace nearly 20 percent of its population.

1 minute read

May 11, 2006, 7:00 AM PDT

By David Gest

"When Mayor Michael Brown envisions the future of this struggling city, he sees no poverty, no drug dealing, no prostitution -- and none of the 1,700 buildings where many of his poorest constituents live and work.

Up to 6,000 of Riviera Beach's 31,000 residents would be sent packing in the city's effort to revamp its marina district with condominiums, houses, shops, offices and yacht slips. To enraged owners of property slated for condemnation, Brown says the sacrifice is necessary for progress."

"The project, potentially one of the country's largest eminent domain seizures, has placed Riviera Beach at the center of a nationwide battle over whether government should be allowed to seize property for private development."

Read the full story: Fla. case highlights seizure controversy

Sunday, April 30, 2006 in Associated Press

Community / Economic Development Government / Politics Florida

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