The Meaning of 'Private' in 'Private Property'

Sam Bass Warner Jr. reflects on the meaning of private property against the changing landscape of land use and ownership.

1 minute read

November 18, 2003, 8:00 AM PST

By Connie Chung


"When we think about our towns and our homes we often mistake the meanings of private....New and old, my house and yours, are the handiwork of our neighbors and our predecessors, private and public....Yes, land and private property are the twin bases upon which all our towns and cities are built and rebuilt. The land is the mutually managed resource; private property is the rules for occupation of the land. The land within the town is limited and fixed, but private property is an ever-changing set of rules about how the land is employed....Your land and house or shop or plant or office belongs to you (or your mortgage company), but what private property means depends on its place and time."

Thanks to Connie Chung

Sunday, November 9, 2003 in The Hartford Courant

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

July 2, 2025 - Mother Jones

Close-up of park ranger in green jacket and khaki hat looking out at Bryce Canyon National Park red rock formations.

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions

Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

February 18, 2025 - National Parks Traveler

Paved walking path next to canal in The Woodlands, Texas with office buildings in background.

Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50

A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

February 19, 2025 - Greg Flisram

Screenshot of shade map of Buffalo, New York with legend.

Test News Post 1

This is a summary

0 seconds ago - 2TheAdvocate.com

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

18 minutes ago - Mother Jones

test alt text

Test News Headline 46

Test for the image on the front page.

March 5 - Cleantech blog