By A.J. Hazarabedian
It looks like the city of Glendale will be using eminent domain to acquire the property currently occupied by the Museum of Neon Art at 212 S. Brand Blvd.
The Glendale News Press reported that the city council plans on extending their eminent domain authority “as officials remain locked in negotiations for a key piece of property on Brand Boulevard.”
Negotiations have been ongoing since November of 2009 and the city and property owner have yet to come to a resolution.
According to the article, “City sets to extend eminent domain,” the need for eminent domain has been rare, as agreements are usually reached with the owners prior to initiating court proceedings.
The article may be overstating its case. While many cases do settle without going to litigation, eminent domain is hardly “rare.” Hundreds of eminent domain cases are filed every year because property owners recognize that accepting the government’s offer may not be the best course of action in their particular situation.