Condo rash: eminent domain abuse.

• Author: Root, Damon
• Position: Citings - Brief article

IN 2005 National City, California, threatened to use its power of eminent domain against the Community Youth Athletic Center, a local outfit that takes at-risk youths off the streets and away from the lure of gangs through organized boxing leagues and other activities. Thanks to the notorious example set by the Supreme Court's 2005 decision in Kelo v. City of New London, officials in National City realized they could collect more tax revenue if the property was in the hands of a private developer who wanted to put luxury condos in the community center's place.

In March, after years of legal wrangling, the community center's case finally went to trial in California Superior Court. So far, National City...