Eminent Domain

http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/hinfo/sessiondaily.asp?yearid=2005&storyid=631

Local Government

Using eminent domain Published (1/11/2006)

Opponents and supporters of a bill intended to curb the use of eminent domain made their views heard at a House Civil Law and Elections Committee meeting in Blaine.

The yet-to-be introduced bill, sponsored by Rep. Jeff Johnson (R-Plymouth) and Sen. Thomas Bakk (DFL-Cook), is designed, in part, to prevent local governments from taking private land for private economic development.

Johnson said the primary goal of the legislation is to stop the practice of condemning private property for purposes other than public use. “That should be difficult. And right now, in Minnesota, it is not that difficult,” Johnson said.

The committee took no action.
Among the bill’s supporters is Jim Meide of Champlin, who says local officials want to tear down his house of 30 years to make room for a condominium development.
“You can’t imagine the frustration and the depression that can be caused by this,” Meide said. “We need our rights protected.”

Bill opponents include New Brighton Mayor Steve Larson, who said eminent domain is rarely used and provides a necessary tool for cities to further the public good.
“Room must be left for those rare circumstances where eminent domain is necessary for the public good,” he told the committee.