A single redevelopment law must control the use of eminent domain by Ohio municipalities, townships, and counties, writes Stuart Meck in this editorial.
Drawing on practice in New Jersey, Stuart Meck of Rutgers University offers some advice on how an Ohio eminent domain task force should respond to the U.S. Supreme Court's 2005 decision, Kelo v. New London. A state constitutional amendment is necessary, he contends, so that all local governments, including municipalities, play by the same rules in using eminent domain for economic development purposes.
The state, through the Ohio Department of Development, should have review and approval authority over the designation of redevelopment areas, the determination of blight, and the approval of redevelopment plans. It is unacceptable, he says, "to replace poor people with rich people" by employing eminent domain.
Thanks to Stuart Meck, FAICP
FULL STORY: Some free advice on eminent domain and redevelopment
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