John Schultz's Weblog

Tuesday January 17, 2006

Possible eminent domain abuse coming to Columbia Recent articles in the Columbia Missourian and Columbia Tribune indicate that eminent domain may be used to acquire land in the construction of a connector between the Business Loop and Conley Road to improve access to the Broadway Marketplace. While road construction is one of the very few valid reasons for eminent domain, this case is troubling since a private developer (Stan Kroenke of Wal-Mart money) is building the road to improve access to his shopping center, instead of the state or city. The two articles are somewhat contradictory, with one stating that eminent domain of a portion of the Columbia Country Club's golf course may be needed if current negotiations fall through, while the other article mentions the land to be condemned adjoins the golf course and would be given to the Country Club to make up for their lost land. I've emailed both papers to try to get more information on just what is happening. Update: The Tribune reporter contacted one of the primary individuals involved with the proposed TDD, and they indicated that the land to possibly be condemned is adjacent to the golf course. They are hopeful that eminent domain will not be needed, but this is something to keep an eye on. ( Jan 17 2006, 01:30:02 AM CST ) Permalink