The eminent domain case of Kelo vs. New London is seeing new relevance in cities across the country, as empty malls are being classified by locals as blight.
"Many saw that decision as an erosion of property rights. And property owners voiced concerns that other cities might try to seize homes or small commercial properties-even healthy ones-to make way for larger commercial projects that could deliver higher tax revenues. In the wake of Kelo, many states, including Colorado, put in laws banning the use of eminent domain for the purpose of economic development.
But blight has always been an exception. That designation gives cities more power to seize private property. In the case of the Westminster Mall, if the Jefferson County District Court agrees with the city's take it would give Westminster the power to take control of the property and move ahead with its redevelopment plans without the current owner's consent."
The Westminster Mall in Westminster, Colorado, is being eyed by the city as a site for a new transit oriented development, and officials are hoping to seize the struggling mall in the name of economic development and blight removal.
FULL STORY: Mall Case Shows How Municipalities May Use “Blight” to Evade Post-Kelo Rules
Watch: The Dark Side of Eminent Domain
In cities like Boston, the government’s right to take private property displaced residents and destroyed vulnerable neighborhoods and communities.
Dakota Access Pipeline Owners Win Eminent Domain Appeal in Iowa Supreme Court
The Iowa Supreme Court affirmed a lower court ruling that found that the Iowa Utilities Board was justified in giving the private owners of the Dakota Access Pipeline the use of eminent domain. Climate change was considered in the ruling.
Editorial Opposes Use of Eminent Domain to Give Property to For-Profit Developer
The borough of Emerson, New Jersey is testing the limits of eminent domain.
Pennsylvania Mall Conversion Bill Passes House
If passed, the bill would promote the adaptive reuse of defunct commercial buildings.
World's Largest Wildlife Overpass In the Works in Los Angeles County
Caltrans will soon close half of the 101 Freeway in order to continue construction of the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing near Agoura Hills in Los Angeles County.
U.S. Supreme Court: California's Impact Fees May Violate Takings Clause
A California property owner took El Dorado County to state court after paying a traffic impact fee he felt was exorbitant. He lost in trial court, appellate court, and the California Supreme Court denied review. Then the U.S. Supreme Court acted.
Podcast: Addressing the Root Causes of Transit Violence
Deploying transit police is a short-term fix. How can transit agencies build sustainable safety efforts?
Minneapolis as a Model for Housing Affordability
Through a combination of policies, the city has managed to limit the severity of the nationwide housing crisis.
Indy Bikeshare System Turns 10, Expands to E-Bikes
Pacers Bikeshare riders logged over 700,000 rides since the system launched in 2014.
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HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
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HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
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