Earl Blumenauer: “the Supreme Court Ruling in Kelo v New London sparked many fears among citizens that their property was at risk of being…”

“the Supreme Court Ruling in Kelo v New London sparked many fears among citizens that their property was at risk of being taken away by the government. These fears, however, are unwarranted and stem from a fundamental misunderstanding of eminent domain. Eminent domain is a power granted local governments by the Fifth Amendment. The Supreme Court decision in no way precluded the rights of States to place further restrictions on eminent domain and to more narrowly define public use. The court leaves these rights to local officials and citizens for public debate. In my experience as a local elected official, eminent domain was the absolute last resort, but it was an important tool to have if was absolutely necessary. In the discussion on the House floor today, my colleagues failed to recognize the many benefits we experience thanks to eminent domain. Twenty years ago, Times Square was a notoriously dangerous neighborhood in New York City. Eminent domain was used to take 13 acres of land, condemning 56 lots and moving 404 tenants. The public-private redevelopment included a highly successful mixture of for-profit and non-profit theaters, retail facilities, hotels, and office buildings. What was once a blighted, unsafe neighborhood is now a safe and vibrant city center. Connecting the U.S. Capitol and the White House, Pennsylvania Avenue is one of this country's most important thoroughfares.…”