Big Brother Is No Joke!
December 1st, 2009 categories: Rants & Riffs
Realtors not only sell homes, but we are one of the prime protectors of private property rights. The Supreme Court’s “Kelo” decision of 2005 opened the door for government to take private property for private use and now a decision in New York relies on this case to take land for a new NBA arena.
“The decision is a blow to private-property owners who have argued that they are defenseless in protecting their ownership rights once a government deems their land necessary for eminent domain, or the “public good.” But it boosts developers and government entities in New York that have sought to boost local economies by offering incentives for private developers.
The court’s decision echoes one handed down by the U.S. Supreme Court in 2005, when the justices found it was constitutional for a New London, Conn., economic-development corporation to seize private homes and businesses to build a research campus for Pfizer Inc. That decision, Kelo v. City of New London, Conn., set off a firestorm of protest, prompting many lawmakers around the country to amend laws to prevent governments from seizing private land in some cases. New York, however, didn’t change its constitution.”
CLICK HERE TO READ THE WALL STREET JOURNAL ARTICLE
Eminent domain has traditionally been used for taking private property for public uses (roads, highways, parks, etc.), but “Kelo” is a threat to our constitutional right to private property. Let’s hope that a new supreme court will reverse this destructive decision. Think about it.
If you would like to discuss your real estate needs, feel free to call me at 808-737-2093 or toll free at 877-737-2093. You can email me at keahi@lava.net.
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