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SCOTUS Locks Crosshairs on Key Property Rights Issue
Although our blog primarily focuses on eminent domain related issues in the courts, our ears perk up whenever the High Court decides to clarify a significant property rights issue. In Wilkins v. United States, No. 21-1164, the Supreme Court is scheduled to hear argument on November 30, 2022, regarding the following question presented: Two Montana... Read More
Trenton Mayor vs. City Council: Who Controls the Creation of a Redevelopment Agency?
In Mercer County, there is a lawsuit heating up between the Trenton City Council and Mayor Reed Gusciora over the creation of a new redevelopment agency. The City Council kicked off the lawsuit in April 2022 with a Verified Complaint and Order to Show Cause. The Order to Show Cause sought to preliminarily restrain the... Read More
Valuing Contaminated Property in a Condemnation Case
Regarding the intersection of eminent domain and environmentally contaminated property, the New Jersey Supreme Court made the following observation: In general, eminent domain springs from two separate legal doctrines. The right of the State to take private property for the public good arises out of the necessity of government, whereas the obligation to make “just”... Read More
Stand Clear: Belleville Prepares to Investigate a New Redevelopment Area
Besides being the hometown of a man who motivated many tri-state attorneys with his courtroom pizzazz, Belleville is also the potential home to a new “area in need of redevelopment” pursuant to the New Jersey Local Redevelopment and Housing Law, N.J.S.A. 40A:12A;1, et seq (“LRHL”). Last week, the Belleville Town Council passed a resolution that... Read More
A Primer on Tenants’ Rights to Condemnation Awards in New Jersey
When the government takes private property using its power of eminent domain, it is required to pay the property owner “just compensation.” With that being said, the allocation of a condemnation award is not always clear cut and legal disputes often arise in the context of leaseholds. Allocation of a condemnation award to persons claiming... Read More
New York Appellate Court: Make a Strong Case When Arguing for a “Highest and Best Use!”
Earlier this year, the Supreme Court of New York, Appellate Division, reviewed a lower court’s decision that disregarded a property owner’s proposed “highest and best use” to support a valuation claim in a condemnation matter. The primary issue on appeal was whether the lower court erred in finding that the property owner failed to substantiate... Read More
Maryland Appellate Court: Condemnation Jury Trials are the Status Quo
Earlier this year, the Maryland Court of Special Appeals reviewed a lower court’s decision that prevented a self-represented property owner from having her valuation case heard by a jury. The primary issue on appeal was whether it was legally correct for the lower court to hold the condemnation trial without a jury. The full decision... Read More
The Deed is Done: Bruce’s Beach Officially Returned to Family’s Descendants Almost a Century After Pretextual Condemnation
In November 2021, we blogged about a story where California’s Governor, Gavin Newsom, signed a law authorizing Los Angeles County to return a beach property taken by eminent domain back to descendants of the original property owners. That blog can be found here. Fast forward to mid-July 2022, an oceanfront ceremony officially marked the first... Read More
Denial of SCOTUS Review: Open Door for More Takings Under Kelo?
Our blog often focuses on Court action that shapes the law surrounding the substantial power of eminent domain. However, in some instances, Court inaction may lead to detrimental consequences for property owners when faced with a governmental taking. One notable example of Court inaction that is worth discussing is the case of Eychaner v. City... Read More
How Does a Reverse Mortgage Impact Your Recovery in an Eminent Domain Case?
Eminent domain is the inherent right or power of the government to “take” private property for public use. Notwithstanding that substantial power, the government may not take property for public use without paying the property owner “just compensation.” (Emphasis added). Generally speaking, the fair market value of the property taken, plus any damages to any... Read More
