New London v. New London Development Corp.

"The city council has voted to sever ties with the quasi-public development authority at the center of a national debate over eminent domain powers.

The council voted 6-0 Monday night to revoke the designation of the New London Development Corp. as the city's 'implementing agency' for its Fort Trumbull development. The agency has guided the $73 million state-funded project since its inception in 1998."

This is very interesting. I wonder if this ends the threat of eminent domain for now? Can a "development corporation" have the power of eminent domain when the local government withdraws its endorsement?

But the development corporation angered state and local officials by sending orders to vacate to five Fort Trumbull residents living on the property that the developer wants for a hotel and office space.

State officials had asked municipalities to hold off on property seizures until the legislature considers changing the state's eminent domain laws.

City officials asked the development authorities' two leaders to resign, but they declined. They did rescind the orders to vacate under pressure from Gov. M. Jodi Rell.

It seems many people may not like the way government has come to use its power of eminent domain. Perhaps there is something good to come from political pressure.

The council also voted Monday to demand the agency transfer title to all its real estate in the project area to the city of New London. That includes the former Naval Undersea Warfare Center at Fort Trumbull, which was transferred by the U.S. government to the development authority, not the city.

I wonder if this demand will be met? I wonder if the development corporation was created by local government?