OPINION:
“Smart growth” (i.e., “sustainable development”) land-use policies of redevelopment, revitalization and coercive land preservation make vital the adoption of the proposed Virginia constitutional amendment restricting eminent domain use (“Debunking property rights amendment fears,” Commentary, Jan. 23).
Under these policies, traditional middle-class neighborhoods may be threatened by takings to make up for the shortage of land available for building created by “smart growth.”
The amendment must be understood in this context. Developers have nowhere to go except to raze developed areas and then rebuild them with greater density so preserved land remains untouched. They need the government’s formidable power of eminent domain to remain in business. This is one of the ugly side effects of “smart growth” land-use law. This is why landowners need this amendment.
ROSE ELLEN RAY
Leesburg, Va.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.