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Rapson speaks out on eminent domain

By JOHN MUNFORD
jmunford@TheCitizenNews.com

It appears the Peachtree City Council isn’t about to use the long arm of the law to confiscate private property to be developed and owned by a private party.

Although a recent ruling from the U.S. Supreme Court would allow such a situation to occur, Councilman Steve Rapson said last week that he wants the city to use its “eminent domain” powers for public use projects only.

Rapson said he wanted to make sure the rest of council was on board with that concept, and he thinks the issue will ultimately be addressed by the state legislature during next year’s session of the General Assembly.

No other council members opposed Rapson’s viewpoint, but no specific local ordinance has been proposed to corral the city’s use of eminent domain for private projects.

The Supreme Court ruling allowed a government agency to use eminent domain to confiscate private property for a privately-funded and owned development, based on the fact that the new development would provide an increased tax base for the community.

Traditionally, eminent domain has been used solely for projects for the public good such as utility or public building construction. The court, in its opinion, noted that nothing forbids local and state governments from further restricting its use of eminent domain.?