The Emotional Topic

Of Eminent Domain

DANBURY — The national battle over expansion of eminent domain – the process by which government seizes private land to build a road, school or other public building – to use it for economic development is squarely centered in eastern Connecticut, but debate of the topic will move to the western part of the state in November.

Western Connecticut State University will host “Invasion of the Property Snatchers? Eminent Domain” from 4 to 5:30 pm on Wednesday, November 2, in the WCSU Student Center Theater on the university’s midtown campus. Sponsored by the university’s social sciences department and the School of Arts and Sciences, the event will be free and the public is invited.

 “The crux of the issue is whether the government can seize land for economic purposes. Both on a federal and state level, this is becoming more heated and troublesome,” said WestConn Associate Professor of Social Sciences Dr Averell Manes, who will moderate the discussion. “Those who oppose the expansion of eminent domain argue it’s problematic to take land from one private owner and give it to another private owner who promises to generate revenue. People are fighting to keep their homes and businesses.

“Those who want to expand eminent domain say it’s the way to improve life for all citizens in the community,” Dr Manes added. “For them, it’s a means to an end that serves a greater good.”

The event will feature brief presentations to be followed by a question-and-answer session. Associate Professor of History Dr Burton Peretti will offer an historical view. Constitutional scholar Dr Harold Schramm, a professor of justice and law administration and of English; Ancell School of Business Dean Dr Allen Morton; political science major Evan Penchuk; and justice and law administration major Alan Moore will weigh in on the pros and cons of the issue. Mr Moore, the owner of property that is at the center of an eminent domain battle, will share his personal views.

“He feels the principles upon which this country was founded are being abrogated here,” Dr Manes explained.

At the heart of the debate is the US Supreme Court’s 5-4 decision earlier this year in the controversial Kelo vs City of New London case. The Court upheld the ability of local governments to seize property for economic development.

The case has focused national and international attention on the plight of homeowner Susette Kelo and her neighbors as they have fought to prevent the New London Development Corporation from taking their property.

“It’s a very emotional issue on both sides,” Dr Manes said. “You’re talking about taking people’s homes, and there are town officials who feel they’re fighting for the survival of their town.

“On one side, the homeowners want to hold on to what’s theirs; on the other, the officials say they need to use eminent domain to improve their town and make it competitive. It really sets citizens against each other.”

The November event is meant to shed more light on each perspective and allow for the respectful exchange of ideas.

The Student Center is at 181 White Street, with free parking available in the parking garage across the street.

For more information about the event, call Dr Manes at 837-8452 or the WestConn Office of Public Relations at 837-8486.