By A.J. Hazarabedian
Residents in Barstow are looking for answers surrounding the topic of eminent domain and how it may affect their homes and local churches.
The Desert Dispatch reported Sunday that residents felt they did not get enough information at the April 28th public meeting and that Barstow “city staff will attempt another public meeting in the Riverside Drive area to inform residents about eminent domain…before they bring the issue back to the City Council for a vote.”
The article, “City to attempt second eminent domain meeting Wednesday,” discusses the residents’ fears of losing their homes to the city. However, Richard Rowe, City Manager, assures residents their homes and churches will not be affected.
The Barstow Redevelopment Agency hopes to renew their eminent domain powers for “the area encompassing the outlet malls, the area south of Rimrock Road between Barstow Road and Montara Road and the area west of Avenue L on West Main Street,” as well as “the area between Interstate 15 and 40 near Walmart.”
Residents will have an opportunity to learn more about the city’s plans at the public meeting to be held at 6pm on July 28, 2010 at the Barstow Church of God in Christ.