Eminent Domain by frogdot
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Description
I hear more and more stories about "Eminent Domain". That's where the city, county, or state government knocks on your door and says they have a plan to build something of great importance and that it's more important than your home, or business. They say they pay "fair value" and you're expected to vacate the premises.
Cities keep wanting to "revitalize" their downtowns and always seem to build condos. That makes money for a developer and the politicians, but leaves the little guy out in the cold. Locally, there was a mechanic who had been in the same place since 1958. They want him to move out for another condo. A cigar shop went through all the proper precedures to renovate their place and blend into the "revitalization" of the downtown area. It cost them $1.5 million. Two months after they finished, the city comes in and says they are taking over through eminent domain to build, yup, a high rise condo. They knew they were going to do this, even as they gave the guy permits to renovate. They considered fair value to be at a bit over 1.5 mil. He went to court and while he still had to relocate, they awarded him between 4 and 5 million, the real fair value. Then again, a few years ago, the city decided they needed a new baseball stadium. This was in an old section of downtown and had several hotels and apartment buildings for low income and seniors. Can you guess who lost out on that deal?
Comments (10)
tutri
Brilliant image that hits the target directly...the people behind such actions are nothing but pitiful, small beings guided by their greed alone. Well, what goes around always comes around in one form or another, sooner or later. Thanks for sharing!
mylemonblue
Perfect image and so true. Politicians and Corporates have become the modern day Robber Barons.
Dinhi
Just the right bipedal to represent the domain snatchers. My area is encountering the same slaughter in lieu of high priced condo's and or town homes. I really like the way this image shows the greed in similarity, the homes are lifeless...the giant a gross monstrosity. Great food for thought Dave... (=
A_
that's really sad. very well visualyzed.
pakled
something similar happened to Arthur Dent, and the Earth. Yeah, happens over here as well. Of course, if you live far enough out in the boonies, it's not as much of a problem..interesting work, has that Monopoly feel to it.
Dann-O
Great image and message. I feel for those who are pushed aside for such rulings of iminent domain. Remember grunge all those bars that spawned that movement are gone now in Seattle. Sometimes a city also destroys its history too.
kylco
WOW, you've really hit it on the head this time. There comes a time when the little guy needs more than his "fair share". The only problem is, the big guy has already taken it. It's not just condos either. Super-centers (not to mention names) have really hurt the small business owner. One opens up and several smaller stores close, many of which have been around longer than most of us. Now you've done it...You've got me ranting. Trust me, I could go on...and on...
tjohn
Nicely done, a sore spot for me as well. Laws for the wealthy only meant to benefit the wealthy. A shame.
Aaron_of_Minneapolis
Sounds like voters there need to vote some people out next November. Nice illustration!
Incarnadine
Money and power have no ethics other than to feed themselves. Just look at any top corporate management! Fantastic metaphorical image!