Will the Virginia Eminent Domain Fight Get Nasty?
The developer-sponsored Northeast Virginia Chambers of Commerce are pushing against a proposed eminent domain amendment. The latest excuse is that it would be “too expensive”.
Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli has it right. As he notes, payments not made are costs imposed on individuals—a completely unfair system.
Part of the reason lawmakers are hesitant is that the bills--Sen. Mark Obenshain, R-Harrisonburg, has one of the Senate versions--come with a hefty price tag.
The state department of planning and budget estimates that the bill could cost the state $36 million a year.
That prompted Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli to turn up at a Wednesday night subcommittee hearing to urge lawmakers not to be afraid of the cost.
Cuccinelli, a passionate proponent of limiting eminent domain, said the $36 million represents what state agencies are now taking from private citizens.
"Those are costs that are already being absorbed today, and our agencies have imposed on the citizens of Virginia," Cuccinelli said. "It's a sad commentary they're taking [$36] million a year of value and not compensating the people of Virginia. Those costs are now being borne by individual landowners, individual business owners, across Virginia. It's morally wrong."
