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.

Tweet