Two of the six remaining plaintiffs in an eminent domain dispute that reached the nation's highest court reached financial settlements with New London on Wednesday and will leave their homes. The settlements, for undisclosed amounts, came just hours before a deadline set by the city council to resolve the property dispute. New London plans to allow private developers to build a hotel, office space and upscale housing on a 94-acre site that city officials say is vital to re-energizing the southeastern Connecticut city. . . . Most homes in the area have already been seized and razed. . . . Among the property owners still holding out is Susette Kelo, the lead plaintiff in the lawsuit. She said Wednesday night she just wants to keep her home. 'I would like to think the city council could show some human kindness and just give us back our deeds,' she said. (Hartford Courant, Thursday)
The juggernaut continues.
FEE Timely Classic
The Blight of Eminent Domain by Steven Greenhut