Emminent Domain
Cry havoc and let slip the dogs of war. Although it looked like they were making progress, the Stadium Building Authority has filed an eminent domain lawsuit against the NK Hurst Bean Company. The Authority had been in talks with the bean company over land it wanted to use for the new stadium and convention center. Authority Chairman David Frick says they offered NK Hurst nearly four million dollars and a chance to stay at the site, but because of deadline pressures to complete the new stadium and convention center on time, they had to start legal proceedings. I also learned that in a letter addressed to NK Hurst, the Authority said the suit was also being filed because the Indiana General Assembly may change the law on eminent domain to make it tougher for local governments to take private property. And they want to make sure the current law applies to this litigation. That may backfire because I’ve spoken to two state lawmakers today who are furious with the authority and are not only adamant about passing a tougher eminent domain law, but also are considering making it retroactive. A spokesman for NK Hurst says they will fight the suit. I’ll have more details Monday and Tuesday on my radio program. Newstalk 1430, WXNT (5-9 a.m.)
