Eminent Domain Report

According to a Contra Costa Times article, "Bellflower may expand redevelopment area, hopes to add $42 million to city coffers," the City of Bellflower has approved proceeding with a study to potentially expand its redevelopment area to include an additional 271 acres.  The City hopes that the proposed redevelopment -- through increased property tax revenues -- could generate over $40 million for the City over the next 45 years.

The article reports that a number of hurdles must be cleared before the expansion area is approved.  For example, the City would need to obtain approval from the County of Los Angeles, and the City would also need to make certain blight findings.   With respect to blight, the article notes:

The county's conditions of blight can include depreciated or stagnant property values, abnormally high business vacancies, a high number of abandoned buildings, an excess of bars and liquor stores, a high crime rate and overcrowding.

If the redevelopment expansion occurs, will eminent domain be involved?  Perhaps, but it may be limited:  the City of Bellflower has adopted an ordinance that restricts acquiring residential property for redevelopment purposes through the use of eminent domain.