Bar Brawl Breaks Out Over Kelo v. City of New London

A brawl began after a disagreement over the nuances of the Supreme Court case that protected the power of the government to use eminent domain to transfer ownership of private property for the purposes of economic development.

1 minute read

April 1, 2014, 12:00 PM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Brawl

Everett Collection / Shutterstock

A fight at a local bar began over the weekend, eventually spilling out on to the street and broken up by the police, after several unidentified patrons began arguing loudly on the subject of eminent domain and the extent to which state law could control the taking of land under eminent domain relative the ruling of the Supreme Court in the landmark 2005 Supreme Court case Kelo v. City of New London.

“Actually, there were no nuances to the disagreement,” said one of the participants in the brawl who asked to remain anonymous. “One guy said he wanted to learn more about eminent domain, so his buddy starts talking about the ‘intellectual problem of personal liberty versus the public good’ or some babble like that.”

“Then they started calling each other 'wonk' and 'nerd' or something like that. Next thing you know they’re using broken bottles as homemade shivs and swinging pool cues like they were lightsabers.”

Another anonymous patron confirmed that one of the fight’s participants quickly regretted asking about eminent domain after his friend launched into the diatribe about Kelo v. City of New London.

Tuesday, April 1, 2014 in Planetizen April 1st Edition

Large blank mall building with only two cars in large parking lot.

Pennsylvania Mall Conversion Bill Passes House

If passed, the bill would promote the adaptive reuse of defunct commercial buildings.

April 18, 2024 - Central Penn Business Journal

Street scene in Greenwich Village, New York City with people walking through busy intersection and new WTC tower in background.

Planning for Accessibility: Proximity is More Important than Mobility

Accessibility-based planning minimizes the distance that people must travel to reach desired services and activities. Measured this way, increased density can provide more total benefits than increased speeds.

April 14, 2024 - Todd Litman

Rendering of wildlife crossing over 101 freeway in Los Angeles County.

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.

April 15, 2024 - LAist

Facade of brick multistory apartment buildings in New York City with fire scapes.

New York Passes Housing Package Focused on New Development and Adaptive Reuse

The FY 2025 budget includes a new tax incentive, funding for affordable housing on state land, and support for adaptive reuse and ADUs.

59 minutes ago - Governor Kathy Hochul

"No 710" lawn sign on green lawn.

LA Metro Board Approves New 710 Freeway Plan

The newest plan for the 710 corridor claims it will not displace any residents.

April 22 - Streetsblog LA

Close-up of row of electric cars plugged into chargers at outdoor station.

Austin’s Proposed EV Charging Rules Regulate Station Locations, Size

City planners say the new rules would ensure an efficient distribution of charging infrastructure across the city and prevent an overconcentration in residential areas.

April 22 - Austin Monitor

News from HUD User

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

Call for Speakers

Mpact Transit + Community

New Updates on PD&R Edge

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

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.