The bill, like the others, is being filed at the eleventh hour, and with no fanfare. Bill MC 27-18, "Eminent Domain - Expansion of 'Quick Take' Authority," would streamline the property seizure process related to highway and transit projects. For example, it would eliminate the ability to compare a property to similar pieces of land for the purpose of determining fair market value. The Council would also be able to force residents out of homes, and businesspeople out of commercial properties immediately, as long as they make an immediate payment of that potentially less-than-actual market value to the landowner.
Purple Line opponents suspect the law may be used in short order for eminent domain seizures related to that light rail project. That would fit the "heckuva rush" manner in which it is being put forward in Annapolis.
But looking ahead, this law would be equally handy in the quick demolition of more than 150 homes and businesses along Georgia Avenue between Olney and Wheaton, for the planned BRT route there. We know that from a state analysis, but we don't have similar numbers yet for which properties would end up being seized for BRT along MD 355 and Route 29. How might this also be used in the Veirs Mill Corridor sector plan, which is about to begin the process of approval before the Montgomery County Planning Board? Land seizures along Veirs Mill have been strongly hinted at by planners.
The late-filed bill will be introduced at the 9:30 AM session of the Montgomery County Delegation this morning. If the bill receives the necessary votes to advance, a public hearing will be scheduled. One question will be: will that hearing be held in Rockville, or Annapolis?
It's no wonder they held this bill from you, despite planning it for months, and are now attempting to file it quietly at the last minute!
Dyer conveniently omitted mentioning that this is a constitutional amendment and as such requires submitting this amendment to the qualified voters of the State for their adoption or rejection." That text is actually right at the top of the bill.
ReplyDeleteKinda kills Dyer's whole narrative, doesn't it?
No, not really. It would have made his analysis more impactful if he had included that disclaimer, however it does not explain away the last minute nature of trying to shove this through in the proverbial dark of night, seeming to hope citizens wouldn't notice. Yes, perhaps we voters would have had the final say on it anyway, but why not follow their regular order of submitting bills by the deadline ? These projects have been getting sorted out for a long time; strains credulity that it was JUST realized that they needed this additional authority to proceed. No, there is too much questionable activity here to not have some less than savory motivation.
DeletePerhaps it has something to do with the Amazon bid? As I understand it, Amazon is seeking 8 million square feet for HQ2 . . .
DeleteI thought the BRT route along GA ave was axed.
ReplyDelete