Is eminent domain necessary for revitalizing cities?
Planners are split on eminent domain—one group believes it’s a critical component of planning since it allows them to implement plans more quickly. Others believe eminent domain does more to destroy urbanism than build it up. I’ve weighed in on it numerous times, including this commentary published by Planetizen. One of the biggest hurdles for opponents to eminent domain is the simple and highly relevant question: “What’s the alternative?” Many believe the presumption should be in favor of sweeping away old urbanism to accommodate new development. Without eminent domain, how could neighborhoods revitalize or adapt to changing economic circumstances?I was prompted to revisit this question while viewing the most recent video installment of the Drew Carey Project on reason.tv. This is the second segment on eminent domain by Drew, and this one has a pretty important twist: It highlights the redevelopment efforts of Anaheim, California. Anaheim, under the leadership of Mayor Curt Pringle, h
