ExxonMobil Fights For Children, Against Public Housing

In a bizarre legal fight in Minnesota, the oil giant wants to stop eminent domain for a public housing project by claiming its own land is too polluted for residents.

1 minute read

July 11, 2004, 7:00 AM PDT

By Jeffrey Goodman

While St. Paul is trying to force ExxonMobil to sell an old tank farm as part of an ambitious plan for the largest housing development in the city's history, the company wants to ensure no homes will ever be built on its land. But here's the twist: ExxonMobil isn't trying to raise the value of the property by holding out. In fact, the company offered to donate the land if no housing ever occupied the site. City officials are baffled by the new tone of ExxonMobil's legal team: consumer advocate.

Thanks to Jeffrey Goodman

FULL STORY: Judge deciding fate of project

Friday, July 9, 2004 in St. Paul Pioneer Press

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