National City residents oppose expansion of eminent domain
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Residents spoke overwhelmingly against a proposal to expand the city’s eminent domain powers at a Tuesday night meeting, saying leaders are pursuing redevelopment at the expense of small businesses and property owners. The joint hearing of the City Council and Community Development Commission drew nearly a full house at the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center. More than 20 speakers criticized the proposal to allow the city to acquire commercial and industrial properties west of Interstate 805 for the next 12 years as it tries to reinvent its image. Eminent domain would be used as a last resort if a deal between the property owner and city to sell the land proved impossible, said Byron Estes, CDC deputy director of redevelopment. A presentation by Estes did not appear to alleviate the fears of many in the audience, though the city’s assurances that residential properties are exempt from the proposal did seem to sink in. Almost all of the speakers testified on behalf of small businesses. While some simply wanted more restrictions on the vast 2,400-acre area the proposal covers, others said they oppose eminent domain in any form. “You are not treating the commercial and industrial leaders with respect,” said Mary Johnson, who owns four pieces of property in National City, including a puppet-making business on 11th Street. Wayne English said he and his wife bought a piece of property on Fourth Street and Highland Avenue, but now they’re reluctant to build on it for fear it might be seized. “You are the City Council and you were voted in by the people here,” said English. “I haven’t heard anyone for it. Listen to the people.” More : signonsandiego.com |