The eminent domain case on New London, Connecticut that galvanized the blogosphere is back in the news. And it’s not good:

City officials voted Monday night to begin eviction proceedings against residents who refuse to leave their riverfront homes, signaling the end may be near in an eminent domain dispute that reached the U.S. Supreme Court.

The City Council approved the action 5-2, authorizing the city attorney to take the necessary steps, including possible court action, to evict the remaining two families and obtain the properties. A lawyer for the families said they are considering continuing their battle with the city.

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About 100 people packed the meeting room, a hallway and an adjacent room.

The small city has been trying for a decade to redevelop the once vibrant Fort Trumbull neighborhood along the Thames River. Seven homeowners challenged the city’s plans to seize their properties and build a hotel, convention center and upscale condominiums, saying eminent domain can’t be used to make way for private development.

But a 5-4 Supreme Court ruling last year upheld the city’s right to take the homes. The court, however, said states were free to restrict eminent domain seizures, and many already have. A proposal to change Connecticut’s law died in this year’s state legislative session.

Since the Supreme Court ruling, all but two families have settled with the city and agreed to leave.

Michael Cristofaro, one of the Fort Trumbull holdouts, spoke out against the property seizures.

“Just give us back our deeds,” Cristofaro said. “You are not being straight with us or the public. You are not listening to the general public.”

Cristofaro singled out five of the seven council members who favor taking the property.

“You are a disgrace to the city, the state and the nation,” he said.

Blog coverage:

Bizzy Blog
Bright and Early

Previous:

Your home is not your castle
Home matters: the day after
Life, liberty and property
Holding the homewreckers accountable

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