property rights

RALEIGH – North Carolina law places few limits on cities and towns seeking to annex property owners by force. That’s the key message in a new John Locke Foundation…

Greenways are linear parks that benefit users with opportunities for exercise and enjoying nature. However, costs would be forced on homeowners by the City of Raleigh without any countervailing compensation. Users of the greenway, on the other hand, would receive benefits without incurring costs commensurate with the benefits received.

RALEIGH – Neighbors of Raleigh’s Neuse River Greenway are much more likely than other greenway users to object to the greenway’s potential costs in increased crime, decreased privacy, and lower…

Eminent domain refers to the government’s power to seize private property without the consent of owners. In 2005, the United States Supreme Court, in the now infamous case of Kelo v. City of New London, held that the government could seize private property solely for economic development reasons. This policy report explains why North Carolina Needs a Constitutional Amendment to prevent such takings.

RALEIGH – North Carolina’s constitution has the nation’s weakest property rights protection, even after state lawmakers addressed the topic in 2006. That’s the assessment of a new John Locke Foundation…

Wrong Way for a Greenway: Asheboro would place nearly 30 miles of a greenway through citizens’ backyards

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 – 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…

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.

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…