A California Bill Just Made Using Eminent Domain Easier
Only four years after signing legislation to dissolve more than 400 redevelopment agencies, Gov. Jerry Brown signed a bill — AB 24942 — that just made it easier for local government to seize homes and small businesses. This recent legislation will move California closer to the old Kelo-style laws that ignited a political firestorm. Redevelopment… Read more »
Kelo Style Redevelopment Revived With Recent Bill Approved by Governor Brown
Recent legislation passed by the State of California moved the State closer to the return of the old redevelopment agencies and the power of the government to seize private property through the use of eminent domain. Earlier this month the Senate and the Assembly passed Assembly Bill 2, which was approved by Governor Jerry Brown… Read more »
Rebirth of Redevelopment in California: Impairing Private Property Rights or Revitalization?
In a 63-13 vote, Assembly Bill 2, authored by Assemblyman Luis Alejo, D-Salinas, passed in the California State Assembly last week. The bill allows for so-called “Community Revitalization Investment Authorities” – essentially redevelopment agencies with a different title – to acquire private property through eminent domain and make it available to big developers with the… Read more »
The End of Redevelopment Agencies Halts Projects in the Planning for Years, 1/9/12
By A.J. Hazarabedian Governor Brown’s plan to abolish redevelopment agencies followed by the recent California Supreme Court decision to do just that is having a profound effect on planned redevelopment projects. An article in the Sacramento Business Journal last week entitled, “Rancho Cordova won’t buy property through eminent domain,” explains how the city is now… Read more »
South Lake Tahoe Redevelopment, 1/6/10
By A.J. Hazarabedian The South Lake Tahoe City Council has begun discussions about whether or not to add a new redevelopment project area to their plan. This second project area would include most of the west end of town along Highway 50, which is about 1,300 acres. The City isn’t taking this idea lightly, mainly… Read more »
City of Rosemead Reinstates Power of Eminent Domain, 12/28/09
By A.J. Hazarabedian The City of Rosemead recently approved a strategic plan that aims to change the look and feel of the small town. The plan is for the next two years, although city council members recognize all of the work cannot be accomplished in that time. The article, “Rosemead defines itself as a small… Read more »
OCTA’s Habitat Preservation Efforts, 12/28/09
By A.J. Hazarabedian The Orange County Transportation Authority (“OCTA”) has begun making habitat preservation efforts in an attempt to offset some of the environmental detriments from a planned freeway improvement project. The Orange County Register reported last week in their article, “Transportation agency to spend millions saving habitat,” that OCTA plans to use funds from… Read more »
Chula Vista’s Redevelopment Plan – Expand?, 12/23/09
By A.J. Hazarabedian The City of Chula Vista is looking for input from members of the community regarding a new five-year redevelopment plan. According to the San Diego Union-Tribune article, “Public opinion sought on redevelopment plan,” redevelopment officials have hopes of repairing their relationship with the community. In past years, redevelopment has been an issue… Read more »
Sierra Madre Votes On Eminent Domain, 12/9/09
By A.J. Hazarabedian City Council members in Sierra Madre decided Tuesday to add an eminent domain ballot measure to April’s City Council elections. The measure will seek to ban the use of eminent domain for private purposes. Taking of property from a private owner to give to another to further economic development has been a… Read more »
Claremont’s Eminent Domain Power Renewed, 12/3/09
By A.J. Hazarabedian Claremont’s city council has extended the city’s eminent domain authority to include nonresidential property. According to the article, “Claremont renews its eminent domain power,” from the Daily Bulletin, the city had to amend their redevelopment plan in order to extend their eminent domain authority for 12 more years. In the article, Councilman… Read more »