Y'know what...I just googled New York, eminent domain and got a bunch of stuff.
Supposed to be the worst in the country.
I'm thinking that 3 legislative approaches might help: non-homestead exemption...only property that is not homestead could be seized; senior exemption...no seizure from those over 65 and who have owned the home more than say 25 years; finally, share the wealth...homeowners initially paid 10% over the value of the home _and_ get "royalties" from the profits accruing to the developers.
Very interesting. Great ideas, on target and make sense. Will see what my congressman have to say. Don't think I'll get much help from Teddy and Kerry, but who knows. If Kerry thinks this will help him get reelected, he'll jump on it.