Eminent Domian

Eminent Domain
update 7/18/04
update 7/20/04
update 7/31/04

Note (Dec 2004) - Pathmark eventually pulled out of the project when they found themselves in financial difficulties. The threat of eminent domain (ED) remains however in the redevelopment zone for 20 more years. This is a case of rather than government helping people it is hurting them. The threat of ED sniffles growth. No one will invest in their property if the government may force them to sell.

The following article was written prior to Pathmark's retreat. In the last year three separate projects have threatened the use of ED.

Webster's dictionary A right of a government to take private property for public use by virtue of the superior dominion of the sovereign power over all lands within its jurisdiction

Britanica Online Also called Condemnation, or Expropriation, power of government to take private property for public use without the owner's consent. Constitutional provisions in most countries require the payment of compensation to the owner.

TUF's opinion The forcible purchase of someone's land by the government is being abused in Franklin both in the Bennetts Lane, and the Route 27 redevelopment areas.

July 11th 2004 Rally Press Release Bennetts Lane
A letter to a Congressman Take TUF's ED Quiz

Bennetts Lane
Update 7/18/2004

At the July 13th Meeting the Township Council voted to not have the planning board consider Bennetts Lane for re-zoning. Thus there will be, for now, no use of eminent domain in that area. Hurray! Block 123 and the redevelopment area along Rt. 27 however remain at risk. At the July 6th meeting Kimberly Francóis of the redevelopment agency confirmed what we had long expected, that Pathmark is the supermarket that is planning to occupy the property that will be developed with the use of ED. Chip and Phil have written to Pathmark

Chip's Letter Phil's Letter

The July 11th Protest March
Update 7/20/2004

TUF participated in the July 13th protest against Eminent Domain

Protest Marches
July 31st
&
Aug 1st
Update 7/31/2004

Saturday @ 1:30, the residents of Camner Ave and Block 123 will be picketing the Pathmark on Route 1 (near the Roy Rogers in North Brunswick). All are invited.
Sunday @ 12:00, in front of the First Baptist Church. We again intend to show our opposition to the Church using eminent domain in their development and are not picketing the Church itself. Parking is available in the Chrystal Mall across from the Church.

Courtney Throckmorton's letter to Pathmark asking them to not be involved with land taken be eminent domain

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