Three years after the Kelo v. New London decision, development has yet to begin in the bulldozed neighborhood of Fort Trumball in New London, Connecticut. Susette Kelo and her neighbors fought desperately to save their homes from destruction, and yet after all this time, not a single thing has been built.
When cities use the power of eminent domain to forcibly acquire property, they must cite a “public use”. Many times however, local governments simply hold on to seized properties for many years until the public’s memory has waned and they can move forward with alternative development plans.
In order to prevent this type of real estate speculation and to protect Texas property owners, Texas legislators should pass time limits for development on property taken through the use of eminent domain.
– Chris Robertson