California Eminent Domain Report

In the City of Fresno, the Tower Theatre is a bohemian landmark, opened in 1929 as a 20th Century Fox Movie House. This year, it became public that Adventure Church was buying the theatre, which has caused tensions to rise in the community, with thousands signing a petition to save the historic theatre, weeks of demonstrations trying to prevent its use as a church, and even a pending lawsuit. The City attempted to defuse the situation by offering Adventure Church an alternative location, which also backfired. So what’s next? The City may be considering using eminent domain to prevent ...

According to an ABC news story, "Threat of Eminent Domain Raises Tempers at City Hall," residents of downtown Fresno are up in arms about the City's effort to extend its redevelopment rights.  While City Council members tried to assure residents that the use of eminent domain would be a "last resort," those in attendance at the council meeting were unappeased. 

In particular, residents complained that the City's plans are actually limiting efforts to improve the area because no one wants to spend money on a property or business when it is unclear what the City is going to do with the ...