The power of eminent domain is not limited to roads, I think; as far as I
know it never has been. It is true that condemnations are a hot button issue
especially where government entities play fast and loose with the definition
of "blight," but when condemnations serve a "higher public purpose" and
property owners are fairly compensated, constitutionality does not enter into it.
Constitutionality is only a factor when the condemnation can reasonbly be thought
a "taking" of property; in most cases it is not and in those where it is,
property owners are then compensated with settlements. I'm not familiar with the
394/12 settlement mentioned, but $3 Million is a pittance when it comes to
road building, repair, and maintenance.
Five lanes on Lake seems like a good idea, as long as one is a dedicated
bus lane and Gary and friends keep riding the Greenway. Lake is a mess and it
has cost me and my taxicab customers plenty when I'm forced to drive that
route at the wrong time; I don't have a choice unless the customer requests a
longer/faster route.
Bill Kahn
Prospect Park
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