NYC Moves Fast on Eminent Domain Opportunity
By smagar Posted in User Blogs — Comments (0) / Email this page » / Leave a comment »
Hat tip The Watley Review , which seems to be up on the fast-moving New York real estate market. The ink is barely dry on Kelo , and ...
Buoyed by the Supreme Court's decision to expand cities' power of eminent domain, New York City filed today to acquire the state of New Jersey for commercial development.
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"The Supreme Court decision makes it easier for us to justify this course of action in the name of economic development," said Bloomberg, "although actually we could easily have made the case that taking over New Jersey would be analogous to condemning a blighted property. I mean, come on. Have you been there lately?"
New York will compensate the current residents of New Jersey with "fair market value" for their property, a total amount estimated to be well within Bloomberg's ability to pay out of his own pocket. After evicting all current residents from New Jersey, New York plans to add a new Olympic stadium, a Trump apartment complex, international airport, and, most critically, a 4,000 square mile landfill.
"I have mixed feelings about this," said Newark resident Franklin Comstock. "On the one hand, I am not thrilled to be kicked out of my home and be paid pennies on the dollar for the privilege. On the other hand, New York is evicting our state government as well, every last official and bureaucrat. That is an immensely appealing concept."
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If New York is successful, it would mark the first time that eminent domain was used to take over an entire state. Other states are reportedly watching New York closely, and may be considering takeover efforts of their own.
"Dibs on Nevada," said California Governor Schwarzenegger.
You have to admit--if this could mean the disappearance of Frank Lautenberg from the TV cameras and microphones surrounding the Senate, that alone might make the plan a winner.