Holy cow. Check out this article about a controversy brewing in Baltimore--a city seen as a redevelopment "model" after a generation of Inner Harbors, Convention Centers, Camden Yards, etc. It's ugly stuff.
Baltimore defended its favored property seizure technique before Maryland's highest court yesterday in a case that could force the city to rethink its long-established strategy for neighborhood revitalization.
City attorneys argued that without a near-instantaneous version of eminent domain called "quick take," Baltimore's urban renewal efforts would wither on the vine. But attorneys for a Charles North bar owner challenged the constitutionality of a process that grants officials immediate ownership of property without having to prove why they need it so urgently or for what specific purpose.
The pointed questions and comments of two Court of Appeals judges conveyed strong skepticism of Baltimore's redevelopment policy, particularly the wisdom in taking someone's land first, then figuring out what to do with it later - because the legality of eminent domain centers on taking property only for the public good.
"When the city filed the quick take, it had no clue as to what it intended to do with this piece of property?" Judge Alan M. Wilner asked Baltimore's attorney, adding later: "You don't see a constitutional issue here?"
I might add that these vaunted "neighborhood revitalization" strategies have been going on in downtown Baltimore for decades. And continue. Because downtown is not vital enough yet. But no matter. According to city officials, they need power. And normal eminent domain will not do:
If Maryland's highest court upholds the Circuit Court decision and casts doubt on the legality of the quick take, Baltimore - a city famous for its heavy reliance on eminent domain - would almost definitely have to change its ways.
[City Attorney Elva] Tillman told the court that such a result could be disastrous for the city.
"Making Baltimore City use regular eminent domain," she said, "would in fact set us back so dramatically."
Cry me a river, Ms. Tillman.
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