Here’s what we are reading today, eminent domain with a slightly offbeat theme:
- From our New Jersey colleague Tony Della Pelle: “Nevada’s ‘Area 51’ Neighbors Facing Eminent Domain.” The truth is out there, Tony.
- More on the story: “Family Rejects Air Force’s $5.2 Million Bid for Land Near Area 51.”
- Another colleague — who shall remain unnamed — sent this: “City, strip club owner duke it out over last downtown club,” about a city’s attempt to shut down an “adult entertainment” club as a nuisance. And get this: “If the city succeeds in seizing the property it would become the property of the city-county school system under a provision of state law.” Oh my.
- Finally this: an attempt to invalidate the Honolulu City Council’s approval of the rail project because — get this — two of the councilmembers who voted to approve it had ethics problems and didn’t disclose their conflicts of interest. Void ab initio says the Complaint, and there must be a re-vote or ratification of the allegedly invalid approvals. Via Honolulu Civil Beat (“Lawsuit Seeks New City Council Votes on Honolulu Rail“). The suit was brought by the uber-rich “princess” Abigail Kawananakoa, and alleges taxpayer standing. Good luck with that, Your Majesty, even under Hawaii’s relaxed rules of standing.