Eminent Domain

Responses to Kelo court decision

Greater Ohio places a high priority on eminent domain because the issue is critical to older communities, including inner ring suburbs, that lack readily developable land.

• The task force on eminent domain formed by the Ohio Legislature has issued its final report, detailing recommendations for how and when local governments can seize land for economic development (posted 8/2/06).
• The Ohio Supreme Court’s recent decision in Norwood v. Horney will have important implications for property owners, developers and older communities seeking to grow tax base (posted 7/28/06).
• Tom Bier, Ph.D. of Cleveland State University, sparked a debate among members of the Ohio Legislature’s Eminent Domain Task Force with his testimony on the root causes of decline in Ohio’s cities and first-ring suburbs (posted 7/28/06).
• Initial findings of the Ohio Eminent Domain Task Force (posted 4/3/06). This presents a useful summary of the issues and differences of opinion among members of the task force. An additional task force report with more recommendations is expected to be issued in August 2006.
• SB167, a moratorium on the use of eminent domain for economic development, passes the Ohio Senate. To read the bill, click here. Meanwhile, a task force will study the issue in depth.
• Greater Ohio proposed the moratorium idea to legislative sponsors to allow time for thoughtful consideration of this land-development tool as it applies to redevelopment of older, built-out cities and suburbs. More information about the policy implications.
• Op-ed on why eminent domain should be discussed with the larger context of land use in Ohio
• Greater Ohio testimony in support of SB 167 on use of eminent domain in Ohio (PDF file, 13KB)