California Eminent Domain Report

The City of Rosemead has a vision of its future that transforms the city into "a small town in the heart of a metropolis."  That, according to San Gabriel Valley Tribune reporter Rebecca Kimitch, is the goal of the city's new strategic plan.  Ms. Kimitch's article, "Rosemead defines itself as small town in the big city," explains:

The to-do list is ambitious: landscape medians and plant trees along sidewalks; demolish dilapidated vacant buildings; develop new neighborhood parks; remove graffiti; expand community classes and develop a community computer lab; create a civic center at City Hall and the surrounding city facilities.

To accomplish its ambitious goals, the City plans to reinstate its power of eminent domain -- at least with respect to commercial properties -- in its "redevelopment project area 1."  That redevleopment area was adopted initially in 1972, and it consists of more than 500 acres located generally along the Garvey Avenue and San Gabriel Boulevard corridors. 

As is often the case in the current political climate, the City apparently has no immediate plans to wield its newly reinstated eminent domain authority, but believes that having the power to condemn is key to the plan's success:  "City officials say they need the power as a negotiating tool to redevelop blighted areas of the city."

Time will tell whether Rosemead realizes its vision of the future -- and whether Rosemead resorts to condemnation in an effot to make that vision a reality.