Vista, Calif. has been approached by a developer who is hoping the city will use its eminent domain rights to help him purchase land for a proposed mixed-use complex, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune:
http://www.signonsandiego.com/uniontrib/20071213/news_1mi13santafe.htmlThe city hasn't yet agreed to help--but the site is in an area the city has marked for redevelopment, so the complex would fit Vista's overall goals.
The complex would, however, boot at least one business, a local spa equipment store. The owner has asked for redevelopment costs and help finding a comparable space. But truly, it sounds like he'd like to stay.
Does the city--or any city--have the right to step in and order tenants and property owners out in the name of progress if the deal involves a private developer and not any building done by the city?
Or is it the city's job to oversee big picture growth at all costs, thereby giving it the right to uproot who it needs to in order to keep certain sections growing and prosperous? And if so, do they owe tenants and property owners any help or compensation?
