GREGG: DOT COMMISSIONER WORKING TO
STOP EMINENT DOMAIN ABUSE IN LD 24September 14, 2006

Assemblyman Guy Gregg/973-584-5422
Assembly Republican Office/609-292-5339

Assemblyman Guy Gregg today applauded the Commissioner of Transportation Kris Kolluri's successful efforts to prevent a portion of a family farm in Legislative District 24 from being seized by the Department of Transportation (DOT).

"DOT officials were preparing to use eminent domain to unjustly seize a 17-acre parcel on the Linz family farm," said Gregg, R-Sussex, Morris, and Hunterdon. "Commissioner Kolluri, after extensive discussions with my office, intervened and put an end to this outrageous land grab."

Several years ago, the Department of Transportation notified the Linz family and told them they were getting ready to take a part of their farm. The department said the seizure was needed to compensate for destruction of wetlands during several road construction projects.

Gregg said the way in which the DOT was considering utilizing eminent domain was very troubling.

"I am glad this entire debacle has come to an end," Gregg said. "Seizing protected farmland, land that is not under threat of development for wetlands mitigation, simply doesn't make sense. This seems to be a case of robbing Peter to pay Paul."

Gregg said Commissioner Kolluri's leadership helped bring a conclusion to the matter.

"The citizens of Northwest New Jersey are deeply grateful for his leadership and tireless efforts to bring a decisive conclusion to this mess," Gregg added. "He was attentive to my constituents' needs and his prompt attention to the issue brought a satisfactory end to the matter. More importantly, he demonstrated that he truly understands the value of protecting farmland."

Gregg said this case, once again, highlights the need for comprehensive eminent domain reform.

"Last spring, in a bipartisan fashion, we attempted to craft legislation that would eliminate eminent domain abuse," Gregg said. "I voiced strong opposition to the bill then, saying it did not go far enough to protect New Jersey's farming community. I stand here today even more convinced that meaningful and lasting reform is still needed. Unless the Legislature intercedes on behalf of private property owners, I fear eminent domain abuse will continue to thrive."

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