Check out the latest eminent domain news for May 2022:
Dirty Martin’s is among a cluster of businesses slated to be forced out by light-rail line
Source: KUT
When Austin voters approved the largest expansion of public transit in the city’s history, they signed up for higher property taxes to help pay for it. But now another cost of Project Connect is coming into focus: the loss of local businesses in the path of a light-rail line.
One of the most eye-popping transformations of the streetscape is planned for Guadalupe Street between 27th and 29th streets. About a dozen businesses could be displaced, including one of Austin’s most famous burger joints.
Montgomery, Liberty County district partner on new roadway
Source: Houston Chronicle
Montgomery County commissioners approved an agreement Tuesday with Liberty County Municipal Management District No. 1 that will provide better mobility around Splendora with a new roadway.
“The reason they need Montgomery County to participate is the municipal management district does not have eminent domain except within their district and this road extends outside their district,” County Attorney B.D. Griffin explained.
Landowner takes eminent domain case to Texas Supreme Court
Source: Texas Farm Bureau
The Texas Supreme Court is expected to rule before its summer recess in a case between a Brazoria County landowner and a subsidiary of Enterprise Product Partners. At the heart of the case is the proper use of eminent domain.
The pipeline would carry polymer grade propylene made by Enterprise in a six-inch pipeline from Texas City to a plant owned and operated by Braskem America, Inc., the sole Enterprise customer for this pipeline. There are no interconnects to the pipeline, and no other customers.
Under Texas law, to qualify as a common carrier with the power of eminent domain, the pipeline must serve the public. It cannot be built only for the builder’s exclusive use.
Lawmakers Send Letter to Texas Supreme Court Regarding High Speed Rail Case
Source: KWHI
A group of Texas state representatives and senators have sent a Supplemental Amicus Curie Letter to the Texas Supreme Court urging them to put an end to the controversial Texas High Speed Rail project.
The supplemental letter is signed by ten representatives including Kyle Kacal of District 12 and Ben Leman of District 13, along with Senators Lois Kolkhorst of District 18 and Charles Schwertner of District 5.
