Assemblyman Guy Gregg

GREGG JOINS PROPERTY RIGHTS GROUP IN CALLING FOR LEGISLATIVE EFFORTS TO CURB
EMINENT DOMAIN ABUSE

March 13, 2006
Assemblyman Guy Gregg/973-584-5422
Assembly Republican Office/609-292-5339

GREGG JOINS PROPERTY RIGHTS GROUP IN CALLING FOR LEGISLATIVE EFFORTS TO CURB
EMINENT DOMAIN ABUSE

Assemblyman Guy Gregg today attended the Assembly Commerce & Economic Development Committee's hearing on eminent domain along with his invited guest Scott LaGanga, executive director of the Property Rights Alliance, to make the point that government's use of eminent domain powers needs to be curbed.

"There is no circumstance under which government should take property that is up-to-code from a taxpayer simply to boost a town’s economic development plans," said Gregg, R-Sussex, Morris and Hunterdon. "Property ownership is one of our fundamental constitutional rights. An individual should be able to own property without fear that the government will seize that property without just compensation."

There has been a renewed focus on eminent domain and its impact on property owners since the United States Supreme Court ruled last year in Kelo v. the City of New London that local governments can use eminent domain to seize property for economic redevelopment purposes.

Eminent domain was historically used in very limited circumstances and only used for public projects such as roads. However the recent court rulings have made it possible for local and state governments to seize private property without just compensation for private economic development projects.

Gregg invited LaGanga to testify on the issue at today's hearing, because the Property Rights Alliance has been leading the charge in Washington, D.C. to inform citizens that their property rights are at risk and to push for legislation that would put a stop to eminent domain abuse.

"There are numerous other ways to encourage economic growth and redevelopment without the takings of an individual's or business owner's property," LaGanga testified. "Economic development districts, tax incentives, tax increment financing, infrastructure improvements and relaxed or expedited permitting are just a few ways in which to remedy the situation."

"Economic development is never a justifying reason for taking an individual's property," LaGanga added.

Gregg praised Assembly Commerce & Economic Development Committee Chairman John Burzichelli for holding hearings on the eminent domain issue and for opening the process to input from people of all viewpoints.

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