What's The Issue: Will eminent domain powers be revived?

The issue ...

The South Tahoe Redevelopment Agency's powers of eminent domain for the state line redevelopment area expired on July 20. The City Council at its Tuesday meeting (starting at 9 a.m. in Council Chambers at the Lake Tahoe Airport) will vote on whether to reinstate eminent domain powers for the area, which extends from Heavenly Village and the convention center site along Highway 50 to Herbert Avenue. Eminent domain is the ability of the agency to take private property for public use, provided the property owner is justly compensated.



What's happening now ...

Redevelopment Director Eugene Palazzo has recommended that the reinstated eminent domain powers not apply to residential properties including single-family homes, apartments, duplexes and multi-plexes. The reinstatement process would take six to nine months, and would cost up to $75,000, including up to $45,200 in consultant fees.



What's next ...

With council approval on Tuesday, the consultant will begin documenting that "significant blight" remains in the redevelopment area, that could not be eliminated without the use of eminent domain. The public would have chances to weigh-in on the plan before it is finalized.