FightEminentDomain.org
LINKS
Below you will find links to helpful websites, media coverage, public forums and contact information related to the City Center II development. Also included is a link to Attorney Alan Ackerman's website, a well known eminent domain lawyer in the State of Michigan.
Get information on City Center II including maps, renderings, ordinances...click links below
Interesting links for discussion of eminent domain
You will notice many other cities and states have been proactive in restricting their use of eminent domain.
EMINENT DOMAIN AND PARKING
Map showing Michigan as a state that does not allow eminent domain if the purpose is to increase tax revenue:
Map showing states that enacted laws, or amended constitutions, in reaction to US Supreme Court "Kelo" case:
This one from the Ackerman law firm seems quite pertinent; Bellville, MI will not use eminent domain for parking in its downtown redevelopment efforts (this is the only instance outlined on this site dealing with parking issues):
"Public use" in Illinois for parking lot unconstitutional:
Scottsdale, AZ, repeals "Downtown Redevelopment Area" designation to end threat of eminent domain:
NJ Court rules that "New Jersey's Casino Reinvestment Development Authority" cannot take private land for parking lot that would benefit private owner (Donald Trump):
This article shows how eminent domain failed in the proposed taking of land for a parking garage --in this case, the area was presumed to be "blighted" --a necessary adjunct to most eminent domain takings for development projects (Brooklyn, NY):
LA will not use eminent domain for museum parking:
Los Vegas --land condemned for "public use" parking structure --later, structure "deeded" to private developer:
Property owners in Oakhill --and elsewhere in the city-- take note: "In Lakewood, Ohio, for instance, a whole neighborhood of colonial homes was recently deemed "blighted" because the backyards were too small and the homes didn't have two-car garages. The city is turning the property over to private developers to build upscale condominiums and retail space." (from
Important Websites
Institute for Justice
Post your comments as well as view what others have written at:
Mackinac Center - The Mackinac Center for Public Policy is a nonpartisan research and educational institute devoted to improving the quality of life for all Michigan citizens by promoting sound solutions to state and local policy questions. www.mackinac.org
Watch City Council meetings online
Attorney Alan Ackerman
Contact your City Council members
Mayor Victor W. Loomis, JrMayor Pro Tem Diane GoddeerisCouncilmember Kevin E. BeardCouncilmember Roger W. PetersCouncilmember Nathan Triplett