Failing grade for eminent domain abuse

Not surprisingly, the Washington-based Institute for Justice has given New Jersey an "F" in its 2007 report card on the use of eminent domain. "New Jersey is one of the nation’s worst eminent domain abusers and is one of the states with the most work to do in the legislature," the report concluded.
It noted that in the two years since the U.S. Supreme Court's Kelo decision, which allowed the use of eminent domain for private economic development, 41 states have passed laws designed to provide greater protection to property owners. New Jersey isn't one of them.
Most of the opposition in Trenton to bills designed to curb eminent domain abuse has come from urban mayors, who argue that proposed reforms would make it impossible for them to redevelop their cities. That's nonsense. The Institute for Justice points to Anaheim, Calif., as an example of a city that was able to transform itself without resorting to the taking of private property. Anaheim is featured in an Institute for Justice publication titled "Development Without Eminent Domain." It's well worth a read.
New Jersey was one of nine states to receive an "F" on the Institute's report card. Joining it were New York, Connecticut, Maryland, Rhode Island and Massachusetts, among others.
The states that received an A or A-minus were Florida, Michigan, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota and South Dakota.
The Institute for Justice is helping homeowners in Long Branch fight eminent domain abuse.