In one of its most closely watched property rights cases in years, the Supreme Court ruled recently that fostering economic development is an appropriate use of the government's power of eminent domain.
The close (5-4) decision cleared the way for New London to proceed with a large-scale plan to replace a faded residential neighborhood with office space for research and development, a conference hotel, new residences and a pedestrian "riverwalk" along the Thames River.
The project is intended to benefit the city by taking advantage of millions of dollars in federal and state funding and Pfizer's nearby $350 million research center. The project is to be leased and built by private developers.
New London, deemed a "distressed municipality" by the state 15 years ago, has a high unemployment rate and fewer residents today than it had in 1920.
Commentary abounds on this important opinon. Here's just one at the Becker-Posner Blog.
When is it good to defer to local government decisions, and when isn't it?
In the majority opinion, Justice Stevens said, "The necessity and wisdom of using eminent domain power to promote economic development are certainly matters of legitimate public debate."
Care to sum up your reasons for your opinion for a future installment of News & Resources for Inspired Leadership? Your comments will be anonymous unless you choose to include your name.
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