Yes, but can the State pay 3 or 4 times a property’s value if the property is needed for a project that will improve the State, opportunities for citizens, and so on, due to the benefitting private party(s)’s growth, benefit, increased tax remittances, etc. ?? This is not a simple issue, as much as you or even I might like it to be...
Paul, that is it. Deals can be reached that benefit the owner and the state.
We have those here that bring up an original clause that was soon taken away. Without Eminent Domain the entire East Coast would be owned by 1000 people.
It is simple for a conservative. If the taking is not for public use it is not constitutional. The value of the property or the price offered has nothing to do with constitutionality. Where is the difficulty?