Eminent Domain

Sure Smells Like Eminent Domain In Chester County....

SaveArdmoreCoalition — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 21:03:47 +0000

Well here we go again....only the drilling and pipeline aren't neighbors of the Bridge to Nowhere in Alaska. We're talking much closer to home, we're talking Chester County. Trouble-is-a-brewing because all of a sudden gas companies want rights of ways off family farms...and if the farmers don't sell the land the gas companies have asked to buy,according to The Philadelphia Inquirer today, it also means eminent domain for private gain...after all we're not talking public purpose, we're talking private companies:

They Did It! "V" For VICTORY in Long Branch, NJ!

SaveArdmoreCoalition — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 16:22:59 +0000

Congratulations to our friends in Long Branch, NJ! Another bad plan bites the dust! Eminent domain defeated by MTOTSA! They did it!!! Thanks to our friends at The Institute For Justice as well!!! Long Branch Homeowners Hail Appeals Court Victory Court Deals Fatal Blow For City & Developer’s Case WEB RELEASE: August 7, 2008 Media Contact: John Kramer (703) 682-9320 [Property Rights]

Arlington, Va.—Today, a three-judge panel of the New Jersey Appellate Division unanimously reversed the June 2006 decision of Superior Court Judge Lawrence Lawson, which allowed the city of Long Branch, N.J., to condemn a charming seaside neighborhood known as MTOTSA for a luxury condominium development. This is the latest in a series of major decisions from New Jersey courts, including the Supreme Court, recognizing that state law and the New Jersey Constitution place real limits on the power of government to condemn property for private development. After explaining how the lower court misapplied the law, the court of appeals found that the city did not provide “substantial evidence” to support its findings of blight.

SAC in The News for Kelo Day Participation

carla — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 15:59:28 +0000

it is with great pride that I promote this article on Scott Mahan's and Ken Haskin's participation in the dedication of the Kelo House with Susette, IJ, and others.... many thanks to Main Line Times for the article: Posted on Wed, Jun 25, 2008 SAC marks milestone with Kelo By Richard Ilgenfritz

This weekend, some area residents traveled to Connecticut to remember that "little pink house."It wasn't one of the little pink houses made famous in a John Mellencamp song, but one that became a symbol in the fight over eminent domain for private gain. The property became a national centerpiece in the eminent domain battle when the house's owner, Susette Kelo, lost a 2005 United States Supreme Court decision that gave the City of New London the ability to use eminent domain to take her house and several others in the Fort Trumbull section of New London and turn it over for private development. Essentially, the court said it was up to the individual states to determine eminent domain.

SAC Remembers Kelo Day at Ceremony in New London, CT!

SaveArdmoreCoalition — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 21:07:14 +0000

Scott Mahan and Ken Haskin from Save Ardmore Coalition join Susett Kelo for a special dedication a couple days before the 3rd anniversary of Kelo, which is June 23, 2008. Susett Now lives across the river from New London.

Kelo Update: Never Forget New London

SaveArdmoreCoalition — Fri, 30 May 2008 01:22:12 +0000

We received word via Mary Cortes of Camden and www.stopEDA.org today about Susette Kelo. We feel compelled to share it with you. Also note that the developers who have destroyed Susette's former neighborhood and caused all that grief seem to have NOT built anything yet and how is that possible? They drag this woman through hell and back, they win in the U.S. Supreme Court and do nothing? So in the end, what will this be? Just another Detroit? Just another Poletown? That's a heck of an Aesop's fable if so, eh? The tale of the developer who pushed, shoved, won, yet did not build?

I reached out to Susette Kelo the other day because I wanted to be able to give the current status to the class yesterday. I had remembered she sent me a copy of a card she sent to the people that were taking her home and that she was not content as she was portrayed with her home being moved. I received the contents of the card today and her status. I thought I would share this with you as the Kelo decision anniversary is approaching:

Can we talk? (A Slightly Rambling Rant)

MainLineThoughts — Tue, 13 May 2008 00:50:27 +0000

Let’s chat, shall we? .......Great, good, Let’s start with the news : You know where the best news on T.V. is? BBC hands down. They even do more comprehensive coverage of our U.S. sports teams. This morning they had terrific coverage of the Flyers. But the BBC is different because it doesn’t dwell on the tabloidesque news our local newscasts can’t seem to avoid. In the world of Tabloidesque - Is Mylie Cyrus news any more than her predecessors Lindsey Lohan, Paris Hilton, or the ultimate pop tart, Britney Spears? Do we really care that Mylie posed for Vanity Fair? Like who hasn’t and can it be contemplated that she may have been wearing more then some parents let their daughters go to Prom in? And do we care that serial dater John Mayer has moved onto being "Friends" with Jennifer Aniston? Sheesh, you know what I care about? that ever since dude got mixed up with high maintenance women his music has really suffered...

What's All The Barking About?

SaveArdmoreCoalition — Thu, 08 May 2008 23:52:42 +0000

Last night's Wednesday line up at Lower Merion Township was interesting on many levels....And that doesn't include trapping kitties for being outside - cats not for nothing do serve a purpose when hunting mice and vermin outside....But what was truly fascinating were the large throng of folks who turned out to bark at the Board of Commissioners over what can only be assumed is enforcement of leash laws. A lot of the yapping started when Mike Weilbacher wrote an editorial about dogs off lead at Rolling Hill. Don't nip at our heels, but he has a point.

Corruption In City Coucil

MuerteDeCorruption — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 20:37:42 +0000

I may not be from the same area as the folks on this page but I am facing similar hurt. In the small city of Baldwin Park, CA. There is a disasterous move going on. They are looking to take over 150 acres of land for Bizno. They want to take many homes and buisnesses that are around the area. This particular area is to be molded into a beautiful downtown and bring shopping back to the town. The area is in need of some remodeling but they bring revenue to the city. It is prodominitly Mexicain there.

Arlen Wants to Straighten Out Crooked HUD?

SaveArdmoreCoalition — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 12:31:41 +0000

...Well, it's about darn time....oh the irony of catching a government sanctioned organization petty and....umm meting out retribution as they see fit? (We could go there with something locally, but we won't...at least right now...) Good for Arlen Specter on this one. Clean up HUD and clean out the worthless and petty. Mind you, we aren't advocating for eminent domain, however. We're just saying good for Arlen. HUD Questions Go Unanswered

Another SAC First!

SaveArdmoreCoalition — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 21:38:38 +0000

The Save Ardmore Coalition is pleased to announce that one of our members was chosen as the first writer of a column that is a new project from our friends in Washington DC at The Castle Coalition as part of their online "Castle Watch" publication! This new column is called “Correspondents’ Corner” and it is the view from the trenches so to speak. Each edition of this column will feature the perspectives of those involved with fighting eminent domain from all across the country. And how cool is this that The Save Ardmore Coalition gets to help with this and be a part of it?! We are proud of our affiliation and deep connection to our friends and mentors at the Institute for Justice and Castle Coalition, and we wouldn't be where we are today without their help and support. Without further ado, here is the premiere "Correspondents’ Corner" posted with the permission of the Castle Coalition: Castle Watch: The Castle Coalition's Online Publication

January 8, 2008 When it comes to battling eminent domain on the grassroots level, you the property owner, the resident, the neighbor, are the best expert when it comes to figuring out the tactics best suited to your community. CastleWatch’s “Correspondents’ Corner” features the experiences and expertise of property owners, in their own words. We hope they will be a continuing source of inspiration for those who continue to fight to protect their properties from eminent domain abuse.

Take Action NOW on Eminent Domain - Call Washington DC TODAY!

SaveArdmoreCoalition — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 14:12:31 +0000

Land Rights Network American Land Rights Association PO Box 400 - Battle Ground, WA 98604 Phone: 360-687-3087 - Fax: 360-687-2973 E-mail: alra@pacifier.com Web Address: http://www.landrights.org Legislative Office: 507 Seward Square SE - Washington, DC 20003 Eminent Domain Vote In Senate On Farm Bill, You Must Call Now! Below is the text of a press release sent out by Senator Larry Craig (R-ID) regarding an amendment to limit the use of eminent domain for landowners he is offering to the Farm Bill in the Senate this week.

Did Harrisburg Leave Loophole in Eminent Domain Legislation?

SaveArdmoreCoalition — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 00:19:20 +0000

In a word? YES. [i]This is not anything other then food for thought - this legislation could use a little tightening. Feel free to write to Ed Rendell and our local State Senator Connie Williams or our local State Representative Daylin Leach [/i]

Where Have We Heard This Before? Condos and Eminent Domain?

SaveArdmoreCoalition — Sun, 04 Nov 2007 23:04:31 +0000

Ok, let's just get it over with: let's condofy the whole world! We don't need neighborhoods or small businesses, we just need more condos! The Castle Coalition's Online Publication CASTLEWATCH October 4, 2007 Wilmington, DE, Officials May Condemn Properties for Condos

He is IJ / We are IJ

SaveArdmoreCoalition — Sun, 04 Nov 2007 15:14:37 +0000

Fight Eminent Domain Abuse Like We Did - check out www.IJ.org

Hey Bryn Mawr, want a side of TRID with that development? Do you want to run the risk of eminent domain in your town?

SaveArdmoreCoalition — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 22:44:12 +0000

Bryn Mawr, are you awake, or did the hospital take it ALL out of you? Commissioners roll their eyes when SAC mentions TRID, but have you all read the act, or does everyone depend upon interpretation by others? We are not being impertinent. Bryn Mawr,you really need to read it. Other towns too, because TRID is a state thing with an eminent domain loophole. Transit Revitilization Investment Districts.... http://www.legis.state.pa.us/CFDOCS/Legis/PN/Public/btCheck.cfm?txtType=HTM&sessYr=2003&sessInd=0&billBody=H&billTyp=B&billnbr=0994&pn=4760

Have We Had Enough Development YET?

SaveArdmoreCoalition — Sun, 09 Sep 2007 23:36:36 +0000

Everywhere we turn on the Main Line, there seems to be something else again being torn down...or you see the telltale orange fencing, or a huge McUgly Box is sprouting from the earth, and come on, what is natural about that foundation level that is so HUGE it makes the Mc Mansion LOOM over the entire neighborhood as if it is going to take off? Amazing, isn't it? Us fantabulous Main Liners wax poetic about historic preservation, neighborhood preservation, and for what end? Seriously, what do we get out of it? Maybe all of us groups from Ardmore through to Berwyn and beyond should form some sort of super coalition? And lest we all forget (and would the politicians and wannabes prefer it?), it's an election year...locally...are we going to hold anyone accountable at all? And we're not just talking the Lower Merion elections...there is Radnor and Haverford Twps too, right? And more? For every bad plan citizens stop, five more seem to be right behind it. It is disheartening...so where is that moratorium on development PA? And isn't ironic that the very things everyone would like to eradicate (historic homes, quaint Main Street Shopping districts, hitory, etc), other areas close to PA fight like heck to preserve? When these twonship officials go on their road trips to check out mixed use, etc., maybe they should take tours of areas where preservation is WORKING. What comes to mind? Lewes Delaware, Cape May NJ, Baltimore, Old Town Alexandria, Delaware, OH,VT, MA, CT etc...business districts like Media....or should we just throw in the towel and say "Ok big boys and girls, make us look like Norristown and Philthadelphia"?

They just don't get it

MARY CORTES — Sun, 26 Aug 2007 20:33:00 +0000

Hi, Folks, Yeah, it's been a while, but it is still the same old---business here in Camden. We were able to get our illustrious leaders and honorable judges to finally kill the Cherokee Plan of Cramer Hill, although Cherokee LLC/NC is still at the table. We also managed to push our Chief Operating Officer Davis to "not call properties blighted" for profit. AND, we must be at the drawing table for future plans.

Eminent Domain Is Still Class Warfare and Economic Segregation.

SaveArdmoreCoalition — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 15:13:59 +0000

What you think we forgot about eminent domain? NO WAY. We haven't forgotten a damn thing. We're still fighting and people come to us from all over for help with their battles. We haven't forgotten the suffering of Suzett Kelo, Stan Cramer of Harrisburg, PA, what the Sahas our dear friends in Coatesville went through, what's going on still in California, our friends in Long Branch, NJ, and the list goes on. Shades of Kelo! We recently told you we are receiving very unsettling news from the small state of Delaware....about a case that is Oh so shades of Kelo: Waterfront, Land a developer seems to want, local government wants the development, so what are we supposed to think??? Check out the very fuzzy public stance the State of Delaware has supposedly taken against eminent domain for private gain? We found this interesting little "sidebar" here:

"Delaware will permit eminent domain to be used only for a recognized public use, but does not define public use. The law has been criticized for being too vague."

The Castle Coalition basically flunked the State of Delaware on Eminent Domain:

Delaware: D- Very minor changes to a few procedural aspects of the condemnation process The state needs public use constitutionally defined to secure property rights in the state Delaware created a state commission to study the use of eminent domain and ways of reining in abuse, but the bill passed by the General Assembly and signed by the governor could hardly be considered substantive reform. Senate Bill 217 (2005) does no more than require that cities have a plan when condemning property and that the condemnations are for a “recognized public use as described at least six months in advance of the institution of condemnation proceedings.” The bill also changed the party that determines compensation for successful condemnation challenges from the condemning agency to the courts. Although a condemning authority must declare its intended use for a property in advance of the condemnation, and is then limited to that specific use for the property, Delaware provides a sizeable catalog of public use options to pick from. The term is not clearly defined in state statutes and courts have succumbed to open-ended interpretations. In the wake of Kelo, Delaware’s laws could easily accommodate the use of eminent domain for private economic development. Until the legislature enacts substantive reform aimed at a limited definition of public use and forbidding condemnations for private use, Delaware home and business owners will remain very much at risk for eminent domain abuse.

(Also see Eminent Domain « First State Politics) Of course this news is deeply troubling considering this :

143rd General Assembly Senate Bill # 217 w/HA 1 Primary Sponsor: Venables Additional Sponsor(s): Rep. Hocker CoSponsors: Sens. Adams, DeLuca, Still, Peterson, Bunting, McDowell, Copeland, Simpson, Cloutier, Connor; Reps. Lee, Carey, Atkins, Smith, Ennis, Caulk Introduced on : 06/28/2005 Long Title: AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 29 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO REAL PROPERTY ACQUISITION AND THE EXERCISE OF EMINENT DOMAIN. Synopsis: This Act addresses various abuses and uncertainties relating to the exercise of the State’s power of eminent domain and the protection of private property rights. First, this Act requires that the State’s power of eminent domain only be exercised for the purposes of a recognized public use as described at least 6 months in advance of the institution of condemnation proceedings in a certified planning document, at a public hearing held specifically to address the acquisition, or in a published report of the acquiring agency. Next, this Act provides that, in the event condemnation proceedings are commenced, and either the final judgment is that the property cannot be acquired by eminent domain, or the proceeding is abandoned, the state agency that was seeking the condemnation shall pay the property’s owner(s) a sum which, in the opinion of the Court, will reimburse such owner(s) for reasonable attorney, appraisal and engineering fees, actually incurred because of the proceeding. Under existing law, the agency pays an amount which it, in its own opinion, would reimburse such owner(s) for those costs and fees. This Act applies to all political subdivisions of the State, such as the several counties and municipalities of the State, as well as every department, agency or instrumentality of the State or of a political subdivision of the State; any department, agency or instrumentality of 2 or more states, or 2 or more political subdivisions of the State, or states; and any person who has the authority to acquire property by eminent domain under State law. Current Status: Signed On 07/21/2005

and THIS:

Posted: Tue Jul 31st, 2007 01:02 pm Quote Reply "A year or so ago, the Supreme Court ruled that a government entity could take private land from one person to give it to another who would build something on it that would generate higher tax revenue to the confiscating government -unless the State had specific laws to the contrary. Most of the States went out after that and passed eminent domain laws that said any confiscation had to be for a public use purpose. Delaware was supposed too be one of those, but now we are hearing about businesses down by the riverfront being taken by Wilmington to be turned over to developers to build condos which would generate higher taxes. Does delaware have a effective counter measure law to the Supreme Court ruling or not? What is the story on this Commission the Gov appointed that was supposed to look into this stuff but never bothered meeting? Inquiring minds want to know....."

We also are keeping a close eye out in our own community - we are especially interested in the maneuvering of the architects of eminent domain that we fought and won. Are any crossing a line they shouldn't be? Here's what you should be reading with regard to eminent domain: Now You Own It, Soon You Don’t?

IT’S not so much the modest bungalow’s spacious second-floor addition or the expansive side yard that gets to Lori Ann Vendetti. The thing that keeps her fighting is the misty ocean air that floats through her doorway when she lets her dog out in the morning. The salty aroma can transport her back to childhood weekends spent playing on the beach with her two brothers, long since dead and gone. Neither Ms. Vendetti, 46, nor her parents across the street believe they can afford another place within a sniff of the ocean if the City of Long Branch, N.J., wins its 12-year effort to turn their homes over to a private developer who wants to build luxury condominiums.

SAC Alert: Eminent Domain Threat For Delaware Waterfront: Shades of Kelo!

SaveArdmoreCoalition — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 19:17:54 +0000

Breaking SAC News: We've been contacted by folks in Delaware about a budding eminent domain case courtesy of the City of Wilmington. Maybe the "Christina Landing development"? We have turned to the Institute For Justice/Castle Coalition for their input (www.IJ.org). We will be back soon, but here's what we've found out thus far: 'Pioneers' put out by Riverfront renaissance Small-business owners say they deserve better than eminent domain By ADAM TAYLOR, The News Journal Posted Tuesday, July 17, 2007

WILMINGTON -- A new plan by the city to use eminent domain to condemn as many as 62 properties in southern Wilmington has some of the owners feeling that they are being kicked out of the renaissance taking place in that part of the city. City officials have a new vision for the part of southern Wilmington near the $200 million Christina Landing development. But their vision of a neighborhood full of town homes, shops and office buildings does not include some of the area's existing businesses, such as Osborne's Auto Service, located across the street from the upscale residential complex. Owner Ed Osborne said he feels kicked to the curb. "I was down here when no one else wanted to be," he said. "I keep a clean business, and called the police when pimps and prostitutes were here. I feel as though I was part of the small group of pioneers who stayed to keep this part of the city from becoming totally uninhabitable." Mayor James M. Baker said the property owners' concerns are "nonsense." The city has to grow, he said, and southern Wilmington is one of the undeveloped places where that can happen. "This doesn't have anything to do with being mean and arrogant, and smacking people in the belly," he said. "This is the process we need to have in place to begin fair negotiations with them." If property owners don't sell voluntarily, the city could seek to condemn them.

and Our Readers' Views LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Misuse of eminent domain is what the Communists do

At Last....Hope Floats Again For National Eminent Domain Reform!

SaveArdmoreCoalition — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 22:28:17 +0000

About darn time and we are soooo happy.....please read this important press release from The Institute For Justice (www.IJ.org):

Institute for Justice 901 N. Glebe Road Suite 900 Arlington, VA 22203 (703) 682-9320 FAX (703) 682-9321 Home Page: WWW.IJ.org FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 12, 2007 Eminent Domain Reform To Be Introduced in U.S. House of Representatives Property Owners Still Left Unprotected from Federally Funded Abuses Two Years After Kelo

This Tale Has It All....Revisiting The Result of Eminent Domain and More.....

SaveArdmoreCoalition — Sun, 08 Jul 2007 13:41:06 +0000

We could dream up better articles to read. In one, a reporter revisits eminent domain for private gain in New Jersey, the other article talks about all the little people feeling the squeeze for home buying....so here it is class warfare, economic segregation, progress,"workforce housing".... all the good stuff..... Monica Yant Kinney | No public good has come from 'cleansing' the Mart By Monica Yant Kinney Inquirer Columnist

Skeedaddle...you're not fancy enough for everyone 'round here!

SaveArdmoreCoalition — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 23:33:53 +0000

We're going to start in Ardmore. Last week - and NO we aren't giving a hyperlink because by now everyone has read the editorial that was basically titled and screamed "We Don't Need Affordable Housing in Ardmore"... And while we truly believe the author believes what she wrote about in her column, we have to disagree in part, because well it was elitest and had some racial and socioeconomic bias to it as well, didn't it? Seriously, if you are going to shill for the boss, just say you're going to shill for the boss, right? And all those Ardmore groups the author belonged to, how do they feel? We don't want to be accused of attacking anyone, so we are going to leave it at that...and if THAT author is entitled to her opinion, so are all of us. We also find it unfortunate that any good points contained within the op ed got a bit lost in translation, and perhaps someone who has only lived in Ardmore or Lower Merion for a couple of years should actually get to know people who have lived around here for generations.....There now, we have that off our collective chests and feel better. We bet it is not the only editorial that will come of Schaeffele Plaza, but seriously, isn't everyone a little tired of the chronic debate over those condos? Here ya go, the best song for ARDMORE, courtesy of the The Clash:

Should I stay or should I go? If you say that you are mine I'll be here 'til the end of time So you got to let know Should I stay or should I go? Always tease tease tease You're happy when I'm on my knees One day is fine, next is black So if you want me off your back...

Former Commissioner Professes Love of Eminent Domain? Oh Goody...Happy Anniversary, Kelo

SaveArdmoreCoalition — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 16:50:29 +0000

Seriously, we couldn't make this one up if we tried - one of the architects of the ill advised plan for Lower Merion containing eminent domain for private gain and the bogus blight designation for Ardmore (which still stands although many have made repeated requests for it to be repealed) was Jim Ettelson, now a partner with Thorp Reed, Philadelphia. Can it be said that is why Brian Gordon is now the commissioner in his old ward? And aren't we correct that Mr. Ettelson and his firm are representing yet another ill advised plan for Ardmore, 130 Cricket Avenue? Well Jimbo, you don't mind if we call you Jimbo, right? Eminent domain still sucks, but it's nice to know it has you as a cheerleader still. Folks, there's nothing right or just about eminent domain. Refer to www.IJ.org for more or just search for eminent domain posts here on this site. When it comes to eminent domain, Jimbo, you're all wet. You might want eminent domain as a tool in YOUR toolbox, but we still don't want it in ours. Good side of eminent domain

The words eminent domain can send shivers up the spine of property owners, particularly following the U.S. Supreme Court's 2005 decision in Kelo v. City of New London, which upheld the right of governments to take private property for economic redevelopment.

Save Ardmore Coalition Wins Prestigious National Award From Institute For Justice!

SaveArdmoreCoalition — Sun, 10 Jun 2007 15:19:00 +0000

SAC ROCKS! The Save Ardmore Coalition is the proud recipient of another award!!! And it is totally unexpected and blows us away! From the Institute for Justice! http://www.ij.org Scott Mahan, Vice President of Save Ardmore Coalition, is down in Alexandria Virginia for the Institute for Justice's 2007 Conference. Here, we'll let him tell you all about it:

I am in Alexandria VA at the Institute For Justice's National Conference on Eminent Domain Abuse. It has been a great conference. SAC has been represented here for the past several years by Ken Haskin, Sharon Eckstein, Si Simons and Carla Zambelli. This year, they threw us a curve ball. After tonight's dinner, they presented us with the David Award! This is HUGE! As you will read, the award is presented "For outstanding Courage and Principled Devotion in Protecitng Your Rights And the Rights of all Citizens Against the Abuse of Eminent Domain By the Goliaths of Government and Private Interests" This award is only awarded in special circumstances. The last recipient was Suzette Kelo. You should all be proud. I love you all dearly and humblely accepted the award on behalf of all SACers. This award is FOR ALL OF US...... SAC ROCKS!!!

When EMINENT DOMAIN Comes Up in a Bryn Mawr TRID Conversation, SAC Listens

SaveArdmoreCoalition — Tue, 22 May 2007 17:02:43 +0000

We have had reports of the meeting in Bryn Maaaawaaa last evening. Apparently it was a civic association [b]plus[/b] meeting over at the Bryn Mawr Community Center next to Ludington Library. So in case you have been sleeping over TRID (Transit Revitilization Investment District) but we find it a Tricky Ridiculous Irksome Disaster, and is this just a developer's idea of manna for heaven forget about what is left of the Bryn Mawr residents and small businesses that were there first, here are some resources:

LowerMerionGreen.org TRID News From Bryn Mawr: Is this another dumb plan for Lower Merion? Is T.R.I.D. on the menu for Bryn Mawr? (and other intriguing rumors) Preliminary TRID Boundary and Rationale Bryn Mawr Master Plan ACT 238 of 2004: TRID www.landuselawinpa.com

Now we are sure as spittin' someone in local government might be having a conniption about us promoting anything on this, but kids....we've had phone calls and e-mails today....why? Because two dirty words came up: EMINENT DOMAIN SEPTA are perennially irresponsible regional transit authority has the ability NOW to use eminent domain if it wanted, you all know that, right? Well....TRID has the potential, or shall we say, giving them MORE room to do so if they so chose...so if Lower Merion Township were to pledge to Bryn Mawr NOT to use eminent domain, it's great, but unless SEPTA makes a similar pledge, preferably in writing released to local government AND the media, well, that unfortunate door is open and no one can spin their way out of that. Folks in Bryn Maaawwwaaa are concerned because they feel TRID is like a murky lake, you can't see the boundaries or the bottom. But hey, they aren't all wet are they if the actual TRID boundaries keep shifting like a shoreline after a hurricane, right?

UPDATE: Skippack, PA: Nothing is Sacred/Eminent Domain

SaveArdmoreCoalition — Sat, 05 May 2007 21:04:45 +0000

UPDATE: Skippack Township clarifies position By DAVID HARE

SKIPPACK TWP. — Supervisors on Wednesday approved an easement for the Skippack Township Walking Trail, setting the stage for negotiations with a resident who owns property along the trail. Chris Eckerd, who owns property along Perkiomen Creek Road, said he now hoped to reach an agreement for the strip of land along the road. Supervisors chairman Mark Marino said the easement needed for the walking trail would be about 160 feet in length, and 18 to 20 feet wide. Eckerd said the township had lead him to believe they wanted to condemn roughly 30,000 square feet of his land for the Biltmore Estates, a housing development of T.H. Properties. In the past few weeks, Eckerd has used a personal Web site condemning the township’s use of eminent domain for what he said was for the benefit of THP. Marino and township solicitor Jill Zimmerman told Eckerd that the township was only interested in acquiring the easement for the walking trail. “We can’t allow one little sliver of ground to stop a project for the entire township,” Marino said. “The township is not condemning anyone’s property for a developer.” Eckerd said he was reacting to a letter from Zimmerman, dated April 26, 2007, in which she said, “a key portion of this walking trail is planned to traverse a small portion of your property.” Zimmerman’s letter went on to say, “The area needed to construct the trail is approximately 30,000 square feet.” Moreover, the letter the said, “if you do not wish to enter into an agreement to sell this property to the Township, the Township will have no alternative but to exercise its power of eminent domain to obtain the required walking trail area.” Zimmerman said on Wednesday that the letter was sent without Marino’s knowledge. She also said she’d retract the letter, and draft a new one to Eckerd clarifying the township’s position. Eckerd said he’d wait to see the letter before commenting any more on the matter. He said Wednesday night he was planning to meet with his attorney the next morning.

Is Eminent Domain on The Menu For Skippack Twp, PA?

SaveArdmoreCoalition — Thu, 03 May 2007 15:03:20 +0000

You know it is never a good thing when our radar goes up. It's up. Why? Because folks who live on the other side of Montgomery County in Skippack Township have come to us for help over a potential eminent domain issue. Nice to see it is business as usual in Montgomery County, PA. Now we searched and searched public records and one thing that popped up with eminent domain was this old reference:

Action News Special Report: Eminent Domain

SAC Bids Two Eminent Domain Warriors Farewell: Carl Gamble and Jim Saleet

SaveArdmoreCoalition — Fri, 20 Apr 2007 23:49:26 +0000

It is with heavy hearts that we bring you the following news:

If developers had their way

dmuth — Wed, 14 Mar 2007 14:27:55 +0000

...we could expect to see more scenes like this: The above picture was taken in Chongqing city in China after an owner refused to move out of his home. Developers retaliated by digging out all the land around his house, leaving him on a manmade island. Read the original article. While a bit extreme, things like this have the potential to happen when developers are given license to do what they want, however they want, and the rights of private property owners are ignored. Let this be a learning experience for us all.

If it walks like a duck, talks like a duck, then is it eminent domain for private gain?

SaveArdmoreCoalition — Mon, 12 Mar 2007 13:25:45 +0000

Zowie! Sounds like a case of a developer fighting back against Philly over eminent domain for private gain, doesn't it? Click on title of article to read full text..it's a gem of an article. Developer condemns city By Michael Matza Inquirer Staff Writer

Don't tell developer Stephen Stein he can't fight City Hall. Ever since Philadelphia took land he owned on Grays Ferry Avenue near 36th Street to pave the way for a FedEx facility in 2001, there have been days Stein stubbornly thinks of nothing else.