'The Best Interests of the City'

Yesterday the Norwood, Ohio, City Council voted, 8-1, to dispossess Carl and Joy Gamble of the home they've lived in for 35 years. In another example of the eminent domain abuse the U.S. Supreme Court will consider this term, the city is taking the property on behalf of a wealthy developer who plans to build offices, shops, housing, and restaurants. The justification is that the new development will bring in more tax revenue.

The Gambles, represented by the Institute for Justice (which also represents the New London, Connecticut, property owners whose case will be heard by the Supreme Court), have been fighting the seizure for two years. "I don't like to remove anyone from their home," one city council member said. "But it is in the best interests of the city to take this property."