Corona Seeking to Extend Eminent Domain Authority for Downtown Redevelopment Area
The City of Corona has announced plans to extend its eminent domain authority in a downtown area which Corona feels is blighted. The planned extension could impact businesses in the area, but Corona is carving out residential properties. According to Riverside Press-Enterprise reporter Leslie Parrilla, in her November 16 article, "Public hearing on eminent domain area":
Hundreds of businesses are in the Main and Sixth Street area covered by the action. Not included would be residential properties within the Merged Redevelopment Project Areas.
Corona's current plans do not involve any immediate plans to condemn property, even if the extension is approved. A public hearing is set for November 18 [PDF] (the hearing is item 7.A., on page 3 of the agenda).
The only opposition to the extension noted by Ms. Parrilla was by Bridgestone Tires, which sought an exemption from the project area, claiming that the area is not predominantly blighted -- and, therefore, is ineligible for inclusion in a redevelopment planning area. The City denied Bridgestone's request.
