Monthly Archives: February 2009

NORFOLK, VA — Trial began yesterday in Norfolk Circuit Court regarding a condemnation action initiated by the Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority (NRHA). A year ago, the NRHA sought to acquire 1 residential property and 3 commercial buildings by eminent domain as part of Old Dominion University’s (ODU) proposed redevelopment master plan. ODU claimed these properties were “blighted.” However, OCA member, Joseph Waldo, the attorney representing the property owners, has argued otherwise.

Yesterday, Reason Magazine posted a report by Trey Garrison about private property owners who are fighting the Army’s attempts to seize their ranches in Piñon Canyon, Colorado. The Army argues that the property is needed for the expansion of the Piñon Canyon Maneuver Site. Property owners, local communities and politicians oppose the takings arguing that the land grab would devastate local economies and the +$20 million annual agricultural and cattle industry in the region.

On Friday, NorthJersey.com reported that the city of Fairview may drop its opposition to the neighboring town of Cliffside Park’s condemnation of private property in Fairview’s jurisdiction. We previously posted an AP article about the dispute between the boroughs of Fairview and Cliffside Park regarding Cliffside Park’s attempt to take private property in Fairview. (See post January 21, 2009: “Eminent domain dispute between New Jersey towns; Property owner caught in the middle.”)

Statutory protection for Mississippians’ private property rights appears to be on the agenda for the current legislative session. Both the Mississippi House and Senate have recently passed separate bills to restrict the use of eminent domain to direct public purpose.