"NOYB" wrote in message
ink.net...

Homes may be 'taken' for private projects
Justices: Local governments can give OK if it's for public good

The Associated Press
Updated: 12:23 p.m. ET June 23, 2005


WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court on Thursday ruled that local governments
may seize people's homes and businesses - even against their will - for
private economic development.

It was a decision fraught with huge implications for a country with many
areas, particularly the rapidly growing urban and suburban areas, facing
countervailing pressures of development and property ownership rights.

As a result, cities now have wide power to bulldoze residences for
projects such as shopping malls and hotel complexes in order to generate
tax revenue.



Been that way for years. Eminent Domain. But they have to pay the market
value. And you can even bring in your own appraiser. And then the
government and the appraiser have hammer out an agreement.