Californians To Vote On Property Rights Initiative In November

"Kelo" comes to California on Nov. 7 when voters will consider the "Protect Our Homes" initiative. Having qualified for the ballot, the initiative may sharply restrict local government's ability to regulate land use, similar to Oregon's Measure 37.

1 minute read

June 29, 2006, 8:00 AM PDT

By Irvin Dawid

"An initiative that would ban government seizure of land to facilitate private developments has qualified for California's November ballot, the secretary of state's office said Tuesday."

The initiative was spawned as a result of the June 23, 2005 Supreme Court's "Kelo vs. New London, CT" ruling allowing government use of eminent domain for private development.

"Critics say the California initiative is grossly misleading because in addition to the eminent domain provisions it would gut government's ability to regulate land use and urban growth.

In particular, the measure contains controversial language that would require governments to compensate landowners if new regulations not directly related to public safety hurt a property's value -- unless the property is exempted from the new restrictions.

Cities, redevelopment agencies, urban planners and environmental, school and public safety groups say they will vigorously fight the measure. "

Thanks to The Roundup

FULL STORY: CAMPAIGN 2006: Land-seizure measure qualifies for ballot

Wednesday, June 28, 2006 in San Francisco Chronicle

Community / Economic Development Government / Politics Urban Development California

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