California Eminent Domain Report

The City of Claremont voted 4-1 to extend its redevelopment agency's eminent domain authority for another 12 years.  In a November 29 Inland Valley Daily Bulletin article, Claremont renews its eminent domain power, reporter Wes Woods, II writes that the the City's redevelopment agency amended its redevelopment plan to prevent its eminent domain authority from lapsing in December. 

The use of eminent domain is often controversial, but especially so when it is for redevelopment purposes.  And, when redevelopment requires condemnation of residential property, the public tends to express real outrage.  In this case, however, residential properties are not at risk.  According to Councilman Sam Pedroza, "there are no residential units that are within our eminent domain powers." 

Also of significance is that the extension does not guarantee that any eminent domain will occur; it just preserves eminent domain as an option for 12 more years:

Councilwoman Linda Elderkin said she felt eminent domain was an important tool to have for redevelopment and economic development in Claremont.

Though some apparently object to the extension itself, perhaps we should wait to condemn Claremont for its condemnation authority until such time as it actually condemns.