Louise Slaughter: “I wish to insert for the Record an editorial from this morning's New York Times called, ``More Comfort for the…”

“I wish to insert for the Record an editorial from this morning's New York Times called, ``More Comfort for the Comfortable.'' That is the way they describe the Private Property Rights Implementation Act. They say it is a deeply misguided giveaway for big real estate developers. The bill would create new property rights that could in many cases make it difficult, if not impossible, for local governments to stop property owners from using their land in socially destructive ways. It should be defeated. The Private Property Implementation Act would make it easier for developers challenging zoning decisions to bypass state courts and go to federal court, even if there was not a legitimate federal constitutional question. Zoning regulations are quintessentially local decisions. This bill would cast this tradition aside, and involve the federal government in issues like building density and lot sizes. The bill would also make it easier for developers to sue when zoning decisions diminished the value of their property.”