Government Planning Issues
Report 310-9, 
Planning And Economic Development Under The Detroit Charter, (Prof. John E. Mogk, WSU) Describes the provisions in the City Charter, the lack of compliance, the Charter provision deficiencies, and the effects that the current system has on the city ( September 93 ) 8 pages [46,153 bytes]
CC 906, Detroit Ballot Issues: Proposition X -- Increase in School Operating Millage; Proposition S -- $3.4 million, new fire stations and modernization; Proposition T -- $12.2 million, public lighting; Proposition U -- $17.9 million, Recreation and Zoo; Proposition V -- $12.1 million, urban renewal; Proposition W -- $7.5 million, police - 2 new precinct stations ( October 78 ) 3 pages
Proposal 2006-05: Eminent Domain
Report 342 ( September 2006 ) 32 pages
The Citizens Research Council has released its analysis of the proposed constitutional amendment regarding the use of eminent domain. At the November 7, 2006, general election Michigan voters will be presented with a proposal to amend Article X, Section 2 of the 1963 Michigan Constitution.
In part, this proposed amendment is about ending the uses of eminent domain in which private property is condemned for transfer to a private entity for the purposes of economic development or the enhancement of tax revenues. It would adopt by reference the three-part standard of the County of Wayne v. Hathcock ruling defining when eminent domain is permissible to transfer property to a private entity.
The Hathcock decision said the transfer of condemned property to a private entity may be appropriate where:
The proposed amendment goes further than simply placing the Hathcock standards in the Constitution so they may not be undone by future court rulings. The amendment would require governments to provide compensation at least equal to 125 percent of a residential property’s fair market value. The proposed amendment would shift the burden of proof that the taking is for a public use from the owner objecting to the taking to the government proposing the taking. Finally, Proposal 2006-04 protects against future legislative actions or judicial decisions that would reduce the rights, grants, or benefits afforded to property owners.
Proposal 2006-04: Eminent Domain
Memo 1081 ( September 2006 ) 6 pages
Summarizes the analysis of the proposed constitutional amendment regarding the use of eminent domain in CRC Report #342
CC 980, Eminent Domain (The Condemnation of Private Property) in Michigan Examined the constitutional, statutory, and judicial underpinnings of eminent domain in Michigan. ( February 89 ) 6 pages
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Last Updated July 25, 2006
