An eminent domain story from the New Jersey coast illustrates the complexity of the controversial issue.
"Today...Long Branch [New Jersey] is on the brink of a rebirth. Young people with wads of disposable income are flocking to it; upscale businesses--trendy coffee shops and hip designer boutiques--are back. These victories are the fruits of 12 years of planning done by the mayor, city council, and a consortium of local businesses. It is a testament to the power of eminent domain, as blighted old neighborhoods were bought up and cleared to make way for the new developments. But, while Long Branch may look like a success story, it is actually a cautionary tale."
"In many ways, Long Branch is the perfect storm of the Kelo era: a misleading master plan, an unprecedented exception from state environmental regulation, shifting redevelopment zones, a developer jailed for corruption, a lawyer working both sides of the deal. New Jersey residents are particularly vulnerable to this kind of forced redevelopment."
FULL STORY: Razing New Jersey
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This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
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