TRENTON – A bill sponsored by Senator Ronald L. Rice which is intended to create more openness and fairness for homeowners under the eminent domain process was approved by the Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee by a vote of 3-1, with one abstention.
“Done the right way, eminent domain can be a useful tool to redevelop communities in need and provide public benefit,” said Senator Rice, D-Essex. “However, local officials have to exercise eminent domain powers carefully, and make sure that they communicate with homeowners and treat them with fairness in eminent domain negotiations. It may be a useful public redevelopment and renovation tool, but if it’s abused and misused, eminent domain can be a prime example of government run amuck.