Kelo Endgame
Posted on : 06-06-2006 | By : Jim Lynch | In : Politics, SCOTUS
Tags: Kelo, New-London, SCOTUS
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The City Council of New London, Connecticut has acted on the worst Supreme Court decision in recent history, taking it to it’s logic-defying conclusion and voting to evict the last two homeowners.
The City Council voted 5-2 in favor of eviction Monday. An attorney for the residents said they are considering continuing to fight.
“You are a disgrace to the city, the state and the nation,” one of the residents, Michael Cristofaro, told council members who voted to evict.
The city has been trying for a decade to redevelop the once-vibrant neighborhood at the point where the Thames River joins the sea. Seven homeowners challenged the city’s plans to seize the property and build a hotel, convention center and upscale condominiums, saying eminent domain can’t be used to make way for private development.
Every time I read about this story I struggle to understand how this makes any sense at all. It’s just wrong in so many ways. I was shocked by the SCOTUS decision, outraged by the actions of the council, and scared by the number of people who don’t see this as a problem.
At least one council member gets it.
However, Charles Frink, one of the two council members who voted against the plan, said supporters should admit their mistake.
“I can’t accept a possible reduction in taxes by having neighbors thrown out of their property,” he said. “This is morally abhorrent to me. I refuse to profit from my neighbor’s pain.”
And let’s not forget, as it happened to the residents of New London, it could happen to you.
UPDATE: Thanks to Michelle for the link, and for pointing to this detailed post at BizzyBlog.
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Cristofaro singled out five of the seven council members who favor taking the property. “You are a disgrace to the city, the state and the nation,” he said. [IMG hands.jpg] Blog coverage: Bizzy BlogBright and Early Previous: Your home is not your castle Home matters: the day after Life, liberty and property Holding the homewreckers accountable







