economic development

North Carolina cities and towns can spur redevelopment of their downtowns without using economic incentives or eminent domain to seize private property to give to private developers. The city of Anaheim, California, adopted policies that revitalized its downtown without using eminent domain powers or economic incentives. Under the leadership of Mayor Curt Pringle, Anaheim developed a plan that relied on reducing government regulations and stimulating private-sector investment.

RALEIGH – Johnston County leaders would set up a system of “economic segregation,” if they adopt new recommendations from their Growth Management Committee. That’s the assessment of a new John…

The Johnston County Growth Management Committee (GMC) believes that rapid growth has outstripped the county’s ability to keep up with essential public services. To solve this problem, the GMC is recommending "smart growth" policies. The GMC is urging the County Commission to limit home building in rural areas to one home to an average of two acres. This is a 203 percent increase in the average lot size.

RALEIGH – A new public/private partnership could allow the Triangle Transit Authority (TTA) to take its history of eminent domain abuse to a new level. That’s a key finding in…

The Triangle Transit Authority (TTA) has been seizing private property for a rail system even though the necessary federal funding has never been secured. In late 2005, as it became clear that the rail was likely a dead project, the TTA still condemned land even though it meant forcing people out of their homes and businesses. TTA’s eminent domain abuse, however, may reach a new level. Through a possible public/private partnership, TTA may start using the already seized private property, and acquire additional private property, for economic development reasons. Unfortunately, current N.C. law may allow for these Kelo-type takings.

RALEIGH – Last year’s landmark Kelo decision by the U.S. Supreme Court opened people’s eyes about government taking property for economic development. A new John Locke Foundation Spotlight shows…

Current law does not protect North Carolinians from eminent domain abuse. The state and local governments can seize private property for economic development reasons. However, the potential for eminent domain abuse is far more extensive than these “economic development takings.” From the state’s dangerous urban redevelopment law to the government finding clever ways to seize property for private businesses, North Carolina needs comprehensive protection from eminent domain abuse.

The United States Supreme Court’s opinion in Kelo v. City of New London drastically weakened the property rights of all citizens. North Carolinians can protect themselves by amending the state constitution. An amendment is necessary because state legislation does not provide adequate protection of property rights. All fundamental rights, especially property rights, should be protected in the state’s highest law, the state constitution.

Northeastern North Carolina is trying to reverse its economic misfortune with two large economic development projects that could pull $8.25 million from the General Fund. Proponents want to avoid the legacy of the Global TransPark, but studies used to justify the projects are based on similarly faulty assumptions. A proposed Advanced Vehicle Research Center draws on no existing regional strengths; an entertainment district relies on transforming the region’s tourism. The General Assembly should not fund either project. Members should be sure to read reports on similar proposals–and read them with skepticism.

RALEIGH — Two Northeastern North Carolina economic development projects seeking more than $8 million from the state’s General Fund will do little to reverse the region’s economic misfortunes, according to…