Does your city government have the right to force you to sell them your land or  business? Can they move you out of your house in order to reconstruct the neighborhood? Amazingly, yes they do!

 

City officials do have this right through the  Eminent Domain Act that was passed to help city governments in their efforts to develop and modernize their cities. The main purpose of eminent domain is to improve the city’s economy.

 

“Eminent domain is the ruling that the government uses to confiscate private property for public use.  The government can enforce eminent domain even when the owner refuses to sell his or her property.  The property owners receive payment for their land and if the amount given is not adequate, the owner may seek legal assistance to get the amount deserved. The date upon which the value is assessed will vary, depending on the governing law. The owner is ordinarily entitled to compensation for the loss or disruption of the business resulting from the condemnation. If the parties do not agree on the value, they will typically utilize appraisers to assist in the negotiation process. If the case is litigated, both sides will ordinarily present expert testimony from appraisers as to the fair market value of the property." (Larson) In the state of Texas, the government pays more than 100% the value of the land.  In other words, the state will pay the owner the highest price somebody would pay for the property.