More on the N.C. Railroad’s efforts to railroad property owners.
Archive for September, 2007
Charlotte Observer: Rail-line rent irks legislators
On September - 30 - 2007ADD COMMENTS
Judge: Developer & City of Norwood, OH Must Pay In Eminent Domain Case
On September - 27 - 2007ADD COMMENTS
Charlotte Observer: Landowners feel railroaded
On September - 25 - 2007ADD COMMENTS
Concord auto mechanic Frank Abernethy, struggling to run his small business, was caught off guard by the unannounced visit from the railroad agent.
It was early August when the employee from the state-owned N.C. Railroad Co. showed up at his garage and demanded he sign a lease for $1,200 a year in rent and fees. He also said Abernethy needed $1 million in insurance because his shop sits too close to the tracks.
Even though the mechanic bought the property in 2005, the railroad says it technically owns his land — and has 19th-century deeds as proof.
John Locke Foundation Report: Eminent Domain in N.C. — The Case for Real Reform
On September - 23 - 20072 COMMENTS
Annexed area pays police taxes twice
On September - 23 - 2007ADD COMMENTS
The Charlotte Observer
When residents of the Shannamara neighborhood got their tax bills last month, a few realized something strange: They’d been billed for police services in both Mecklenburg County and Stallings. Now, there may be nothing they can do about it. more…
City of Toledo invokes eminent domain for mall
On September - 22 - 2007ADD COMMENTS
Toledo Free Press
The City of Toledo’s proposed use of eminent domain for taking the Southwyck Mall properties for redevelopment will be the subject of a public hearing on Sept. 24. The issue of eminent domain became official with a resolution presented to City Council Sept. 18.
The resolution (603-07), calling for the use of eminent domain for the roadway extension at Southwyck Mall, was discussed and held for the next Council meeting on Oct. 2, due to the hearing, according to City Council Clerk Gerald Dendinger.
Forced Annexation in Selma, NC?
On September - 21 - 2007ADD COMMENTS
Delaware state legislators seek to protect property rights
On September - 21 - 2007ADD COMMENTS
From the Cape Gazette:
Two state representatives say they’ll be working over the next several months on legislation to protect the property rights of all Delawareans.
State representatives Greg Hastings, R-Millsboro, and Dennis Williams, D-Wilmington, recently announced a cooperative effort that’ll use the resources of the Institute for Justice, the Delaware Bar Association and the state House of Representatives to craft a bill to shield private property owners from unwarranted governmental takings.
Landowners threatened by eminent domain abuse
On September - 20 - 2007ADD COMMENTS
The Courier-Post
Some of what is taking place throughout the United States is surprising. Take for example, the legally authorized abuse of eminent domain. more…
Property owners: We'll fight for land rights
On September - 20 - 2007ADD COMMENTS
Property rights advocates said Tuesday they are ready for a court fight to defend a 2006 law that reduced local governments’ right to seize property.
The test case may be in Osceola in southern Iowa, where local governments may attempt to seize farmland to make way for a reservoir.
“This lake project is about development and money under the guise of Osceola’s water needs,” said Cindy Sanford, whose farm may be taken for the project.
Sanford and other property owners spoke at a Statehouse news conference, joined by Reps. Jeff Kaufmann, R-Wilton, Jodi Tymeson, R-Winterset, and former Rep. Ed Fallon, D-Des Moines.