Taking private property to give to developers

The national press has recently had a number of stories about the increasing abuse of "eminent domain" by state and local governments that want to take private property away from lower- and middle-income people and sell it at bargain prices to developers.

One such case is pending before the U.S. Supreme Court.

Now Prince George's County Delegate Justin D. Ross (D-22) is proposing an amendment to the Maryland Constitution to authorize "the immediate taking of private property" by Prince Geoge's County.

• PG 316-05
  Prince George's County Delegation – Delegate Ross
• Prince George's County – Redevelopment authority – Eminent Domain – Immediate Taking of Private Property
  For the purpose of proposing an amendment to the Maryland Constitution to authorize the County Council of Prince George's County to provide for the immediate taking of private property situated in Prince George's County under certain circumstances; requiring the Redevelopment authority of Prince George's County to assure that certain assistance is offered to certain owner-occupants or tenants displaced because of the exercise of eminent domain; and submitting this amendment to the qualified voter of the State of Maryland for their adoption or rejection.
• Local Action
  11/30/2004
  Local - Subcommittee
  None
  Public Hearing

During the recent campaign, the national and state Democratic parties held themselves out as being on the side of the working people and accused the Republicans of favoring big business. Apparently the roles are reversed in Prince George's County politics.

Reply from Del. Ross, November 20, 2004.

Update, January 20, 2005.