Author: Timothy Sandefur
More than five years after the infamous Kelo decision, the property the city seized for development remains undeveloped; Pfizer has even announced it’s leaving town. But even more amazing: the city has entered into negotiations with a new developer, and there’s something they want before they’ll agree to build: tax abatements. Of course, the whole idea of taking Susette Kelo’s land was that new development will ultimately lead to higher tax revenue for the city…. That was one of the factors that convinced the Supreme Court that New London’s plans were “carefully considered.” Yeah; as carefully as government planners ever consider things.