From the Asheville Citizen-Times: Biltmore Lake residents have filed a lawsuit against the city of Asheville claiming it didn’t follow state law in seeking to annex the upscale subdivision. more…

We recently posted a link to this article from the Jacksonville Daily News: Onslow County Commissioners vote to support limits on use of eminent domain.

The full text of the resolution can be viewed here.

According to this article, studies have shown that legislation passed last year in Missouri has failed to address eminent domain abuse. According to the article, “The study concludes eminent domain abuse has had a negative impact on local communities, adding the abuses will only worsen until the Legislature passes a constitutional amendment strengthening property rights in Missouri.”

Sounds like Missouri and North Carolina have something in common: each of our legislatures failed to pass a constitutional amendment to give property owners the protection they deserve, instead settling for watered-down legislation that doesn’t cut the mustard.

San Antonio Express-News

As Texas continues to grow, the need for public land for infrastructure and projects will increase. With it, the use of eminent domain — the forced buying of private land for a public use — will also increase.

Proposition 7 would amend the Texas Constitution to allow a “taking entity” to offer land acquired through eminent domain back to the owner at the original sales price under certain conditions. more…

From The Jacksonville Daily News: The Onslow County Board of Commissioners approved a resolution Monday in favor of North Carolina joining an ever-increasing number of states that have enacted legislation prohibiting condemnation of private property for economic development.

In September, the board unanimously voted in support of the North Carolina General Assembly obtaining a constitutional amendment prohibiting the use of eminent domain - the right of a government to take private property for public benefit - for commercial use. more…

From The Charleston Daily Mail: Officials say they will consider using eminent domain to expand Civic Center

From The Stanly News & Free Press: Norwood looks at annexation during closed session

RALEIGH – Local governments can help their communities prosper by holding the line on taxes and fees, minimizing regulation, and avoiding the use of force against private property owners. Those are some key recommendations in the Center for Local Innovation’s new City and County Issue Guide 2007.

The guide arrives as some N.C. counties consider raising sales taxes or imposing a new land-transfer tax. “The common thread in these recommendations is freedom,” said CLI Director Chad Adams. “By increasing individual freedom, local governments can foster prosperity for all North Carolinians.”

This is a good column by George Mantor

From the City of Greensboro’s Web Site:

As the City of Greensboro begins the annexation process, we know you have many questions about what annexation will mean to you. We invite you to browse this website to find answers to your questions.

The links on the left will take you to information about specific services, as well as general information about the City of Greensboro. You can also call (336) 373-CITY (2489) to speak with a City Services Representative who can answer your questions.