No time is being wasted in the aftermath of the Kelo v. New London eminent domain decision. Speculation is bubbling on the improved prospects for a baseball stadium in Southeast Washington, D.C.
The Supreme Court's ruling that local governments can take private property for commercial use is expected to bring a number of contested local projects -- including the District's plans to build a baseball stadium -- closer to fruition.
The ruling angered property owners who could be displaced, including those who have fought plans to build the Washington Nationals' new baseball stadium in Southeast near the Anacostia River waterfront. The court said a commercial venture that brings tax revenue or jobs to the city is a public good and, thus, is eligible to benefit from the power of eminent domain.
Opponents of the projects engage in some wishful thinking by suggesting that the ruling requires a comprehensive development plan.
"The Supreme Court's decision today is [on its face] disappointing, but in reality is good news," he said. "It won't support the use of the power of eminent domain to condemn property on the purposed stadium site."
The court ruling said economic development plans must specifically designate the site to be condemned. Opponents contend the District's development plan does not do that.
How long do they think it will take developers to designate the specific sites they'd like to have condemned? And who do they think will be arbiters of what constitutes a comprehensive development plan? The door has been pushed wide open.
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