Farm Bureau Working on Eminent Domain Policy
Kelo v. New London is the landmark eminent domain case. After the Supreme Court’s ruling, more than 20 states significantly changed their eminent domain laws to make eminent domain more difficult. The Supreme Court’s case was ultimately over New London authorizing the use of eminent domain on a little pink house that overlooked the Thames River in 1997. The area was going to be revitalized after Pfizer invested in the area, but in 2009 the project fell through. The land where Kelo’s “little pink house” once stood is now empty.
Farm Bureau members responding to the Viewpoint Survey believe that in situations when eminent domain is used to acquire property, but that property is not used and is resold, that the original owner should have the first right of purchase at the original price.
The proposed policy states that we support the original property owner having the first right of purchase, at the original purchase price, when the property acquired through eminent domain is resold.
Members interested in commenting on this issue are encouraged to contact Bona Heinsohn at 708- 354-3276 or via email at [email protected].