Reader opposes eminent domain

Eminent domain is a term used to describe the power of government to appropriate private property for public use. The city of Agoura Hills has a redevelopment plan which encompasses the entire freeway corridor, most of the commercial property in the city. Within that plan is eminent domain, which must be renewed every 12 years. It is now up for renewal by the city council.

Eminent domain for the purpose of freeways, roads, flood control, schools, etc., is a power the city has always possessed, as part of a city’s natural rights for public use. The only reason for including eminent domain in the redevelopment plan is to appropriate private property, homes and businesses to sell to developers for the city’s and the developers’ financial gain.

I do not believe this was the intent of our founding fathers in creating the Bill of Rights. The Fifth Amendment states no person shall be deprived of life, liberty or property without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use without just compensation.

I don’t believe James Madison would have considered a new shopping mall to be a case of public use.

If you have an opinion on this matter, please come to the city council meeting at 7 p.m. Jan. 26 at the Agoura Hills City Hall.

Gale Trumbeaux

Agoura Hills