Your home is your castle
It makes me cringe to read about the abuses of eminent domain, many of which can found right here in Monmouth County. In the Press' three-part print and online series ''The Battle Over Eminent Domain,'' which begins today, the arguments for and against the seizure of private property are spelled out in great detail, along with the stories of people who are fighting government attempts to take their property.
For the most part, the general public opposes the use of eminent domain for private redevelopment purposes. Most municipal officials and planners say it's impossible to rebuild blighted communities without it. We'd like to know what you think. Are there any circumstances in which homeowners or business owners should be forced to give up their properties for the benefit of private developers or for the greater good of the community?
To get the conversation started, I'll offer my personal view: I don't think anyone who owns and occupies a home and keeps it well-maintained, or anyone who operates a business on property they own should be forced out unless it is truly for a public purpose - construction of roads, schools, etc. Even then, strict safeguards must be in place to prevent abuse or overreach.
As the series progresses, I will continue to offer my thoughts and solicit yours. After the series concludes, the Press will publish a two-part editorial spelling out the newspaper's formal position and offering recommendations for changes to the state's eminent domain law.
For the most part, the general public opposes the use of eminent domain for private redevelopment purposes. Most municipal officials and planners say it's impossible to rebuild blighted communities without it. We'd like to know what you think. Are there any circumstances in which homeowners or business owners should be forced to give up their properties for the benefit of private developers or for the greater good of the community?
To get the conversation started, I'll offer my personal view: I don't think anyone who owns and occupies a home and keeps it well-maintained, or anyone who operates a business on property they own should be forced out unless it is truly for a public purpose - construction of roads, schools, etc. Even then, strict safeguards must be in place to prevent abuse or overreach.
As the series progresses, I will continue to offer my thoughts and solicit yours. After the series concludes, the Press will publish a two-part editorial spelling out the newspaper's formal position and offering recommendations for changes to the state's eminent domain law.
posted by Randy Bergmann at 6:50 AM
6 Comments:
I remember a developer had contacted my parents to sell our home so they could put in senior housing. Half the block sold, half stayed (we stayed). The developers used the tracts that were joined and built what they could. There were some open lots that went unused (in between homes) that if all had sold, the redevelopment would have been a larger success. There are now NO empty lots on that block, because other developers have come to fill those with 1-2 family homes. My point is that progress can be made, but it may not have the desired results.
It's simply a matter of aesthetics. Yes, it would make a city block look better if a redevelopment project could go from end to end. The problem is that homes/businesses stand or once stood where these redevelopment plans are underway. Yes, schools, roads, libraries, etc. would sound reasonable to enforce eminent domain. If those needed to be uprooted are removed for housing redevelopment - I say that they should be transplanted into the new developments. I can't offer a solution to businesses, that their locations may have served them well. Relocating it could be disastrous or maybe just what's needed. Regardless, all tenants should be allowed a chance to be a solution to the problem, not just the problem.
The redevelopment area in Jersey City near Grand Street (where the new medical center is) was much needed. My mother worked at the Sabrett meat packing plant that was on Colden St. It was vacated (it was relocated to the Bronx) and a school was supposed to occupy some of the space. The area served as a place for businesses/warehouses and had some vacant lots in the surrounding areas. I'm not sure if eminent domain was invoked, but if so, some good can come from bad.
We all know that memories are priceless. No amount of money can compensate for the taking of precious memories by greedy developers.
I say, if they must "pull the life" out from under a family, then that family ought to get a cut of the profits. A small percentage of the massive profits generated wold be "Just Compensation" for the loss of priceless memories. I think this is fair since we all know unless you are rich, trying to purchase another home in the state of NJ has lately become a lost cause.
It is only fair to give people enough money to either purchase another home or relocate to a less expensive state.
The mayor of Long Branch offered me 30 cents on the dollar for my large oceanfront home and told me to get a lawyer. He is a puppet of the developer and they pull his strings.
My parents property was taken years ago and history is indeed repeating itself in this country. In the election, lets get rid of the monster!
If you would leave out the words "and keeps it well-maintainted" then I would agree with you. WHY does one have to keep his property well-maintained by your standards in order to have a right to retain it? If someone tries to take my property, whether it is "well-maintained" or not, they are going to have a fight on their hands.
the truth is there houses at MTOTSA are not quaint little bungalows..they are unkempt and poorly maintained...most of them have crumbling steps and some have sofas in their backyards...ask yourself if it would be ok for the majority of these abodes to be next door to you..your disingenuousness and attempt at political correctness is obvious...these people would like the oceanfront to revert back to "the good old days"....those were far from good...their homes are neither oceanfront nor oceanview and are not worth what they are holding out for...please! its not about the sentiment of the house..its all about the buck!
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