California Eminent Domain Project News: CHSRA Receives a Record of Decision from Federal Railroad Administration, Fresno-Bakersfield Tracks Approved

Posted & filed under California Eminent Domain Project News.

On Friday the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) issued a Record of Decision (ROD) for the 114 mile high speed rail track from Fresno to Bakersfield. The DOR reflects the FRA’s adaptation of a preferred alternative to the track which was outlined in the Final Environmental Impact Statement. The FRA chose the alternative track alignment in… Read more »

Richmond, California Has Yet to Exercise Eminent Domain to Seize Underwater Mortgages, 6/30/14

Posted & filed under In the News, The Eminent Domain Process, The Power of Eminent Domain.

While the city of Richmond is the first municipality to approve the concept of using eminent domain to acquire underwater mortgages, the city has yet to actually do so. The City Council has been unable to get the needed 5 out of 7 votes to go through with eminent domain proceedings. Therefore, the city is… Read more »

San Francisco Bay Commission Suing Feds to Stop Eminent Domain Attempts in Alameda County, 6/25/14

Posted & filed under In the News, The Power of Eminent Domain.

The San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission is ready for a gruesome battle with the federal General Service Administration over McKay Avenue in the county of Alameda. The Commission’s decision to challenge GSA’s exercise of eminent domain to acquire McKay Avenue was reached during a closed session meeting held on June 5th. After the… Read more »

California Eminent Domain Project News: CHSRA Gives Thumbs Up on Fresno-Bakersfield Track

Posted & filed under California Eminent Domain Project News.

On May 7, California High Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA) board members voted on the next section of the rail project. The two-part vote resulted in the approval of the 114-mile route from downtown Fresno to the northern outskirts of Bakersfield. The first part of the vote was dedicated to the 20,000 page Environmental Impact Report… Read more »

Pre-Condemnation Entry: Procedure Can Be Unconstitutional, 4/25/14

Posted & filed under In the News, Just Compensation, The Eminent Domain Process.

The Third Appellate District Court of Appeals has ruled that pre-condemnation entry on to the property an agency is seeking to condemn may be unconstitutional. If upheld, it will ultimately create significant obstacles for agencies to overcome in attempts to progress with eminent domain actions. Historically, California law entitled agencies to enter properties “to make… Read more »

Eminent Domain Appeal Denied: Sacramento On Track For Kings’ New Arena, 4/21/14

Posted & filed under In the News, Just Compensation.

After months of deliberation, negotiation and court appearances, the city of Sacramento won its appeal for possession of the former Macy’s building. The last piece of the puzzle completes the needed land for the new $448 million Kings arena scheduled to open in 2016. But the battle for the ex-Macy’s building remains fierce. The City… Read more »