The new threatre

[PayTheMan]

As far as I'm aware the City abused eminent domain to obtain the land for the new theatre. This sorta thing isn't new (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kelo_vs_New_London)

and it looks as if Justice O'Connor was correct:

"Any property may now be taken for the benefit of another private party, but the fallout from this decision will not be random. The beneficiaries are likely to be those citizens with disproportionate influence and power in the political process, including large corporations and development firms."

Redwood City didn't build a new state park or something-- we built some freaking threatres. This doesn't qualify as "public good".

[Michael Stogner]

One of the property owners, sued the City of Redwood City and won around $3,000,000.00. So this project cost the public a little more than expected.

[PayTheMan]

Was it a settlement or a verdict in favor of the plantiff? I'm assuming verdict.

[Michael Stogner]

Great Question, I'll see if I can find the articles.

[Jon]

It was settled.

[PayTheMan]

Either way that's 3 million dollars that could've been spent on other projects. I don't blame the plantiff because I believe the city abused its power here, but I am peeved that this story didn't get much coverage.

[kathys]

The weird thing about this story in the DJ is that it says it's nearly impossible to find a parking spot. Well, I was there at lunch time and saw lots of spots, maybe not on "Theater Way," but right in front of the theater project building -- and right across the street from Bob Bryant's coffee shop.

What was the reporter talking about??

[PayTheMan]

It is probably hard to find a spot during peak hours.

[thw]

Had you been paying attention the Daily Journal was all over this as it unfolded. Lets get the facts before we "blurt"