2006.03.20 EDA Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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EMINENT DOMAIN TALKING POINTS A few facts: • The Kelo vs. New London Connecticut case did not expand eminent domain authority in Minnesota • Minnesota Cities use eminent domain sparingly, as a last resort and overwhelmingly for traditional public uses such as roads or utilities • Primary users of eminent domain for subsequent private development are the core cities, inner-ring suburbs and older Metro Area cities • Primary use of eminent domain by these cities is for revitalization activities including blight removal and contamination cleanup • Many eminent domain actions are non-controversial and initiated in order to arrive at an agreeable purchase price or provide the seller with a federal tax break • The Twin Cities Metro Area enjoys a nationally recognized reputation for being very "livable". The reputation is due, in part, to its economically, socially and culturally vital urban core. • Our vital urban core is not an accident. The vitality is the result of on- going public and private efforts to reinvest and revitalize. Imagine our core cities and inner-ring suburbs without Medtronic, U.S. Bank, the Target Center, Xcel Center, Lawson Software and others. (Eminent domain was not used on all of these projects. But all are examples of redevelopment that will be at risk if we effectively eliminate the tool for redevelopment.) • Redevelopment activities address specific problems with specific sites. But redevelopment is also initiated to stabilize neighborhoods and business districts and protect the investments on adjacent and nearby private property Association of Metropolitan Municipalities and the League of Minnesota Cities 145 University Avenue West,St.Paul,MN 55103-2044 AMM: 651-215-4000 and LMC: 651-281-1200