Legislation Proposes Eminent Domain Reform
“Government should not take private property unless it is necessary to meet a real public need, not just because it prefers one use over another or one developer over another,” said County Legislator Thomas J. Abinanti (D, I, WF-Greenburgh) as he and County Legislator James Maisano (R-New Rochelle) reintroduced legislation that would limit the County’s power to condemn private property.
The legislation also prohibits the County from contributing funds to a development that uses eminent domain to take private property for private use.
“I have witnessed in my own district how eminent domain can be used by powerful developers to intimidate property owners,” said Legislator Maisano. “We must protect property owners, especially those that may not have the resources to defend themselves against these developers.”
Over thirty-five states and localities have taken steps to enact legislation to prevent misuse of eminent domain and Abinanti and Maisano believe Westchester County should lead this reform in New York.