When I used to have more time on more hands (or more energy for my time) I did some blogging about eminent domain issues. One of those blog entries received a comment a few days ago that I wanted to address: I appreciated your article on the TIF struggle in Des Planes. In Newton, IL, the mayor and his rubber stamp council (seven of eight) are making plans to establish a TIF … [Read more...] about Starting the Fight Against the Newton TIF
Eminent Domain
Kelo Day
Arg! I totally forgot to mention that today is Kelo Day! Susette Kelo and the Institute for Justice are trying to moneybomb the eminent domain abuse issue by getting 10,000 people to donate a few bucks each today. Make your donations here. Or at least go read what it's all about. … [Read more...] about Kelo Day
Des Plaines TIF: A Strange Mix
Right on the south edge of the central triangle in the Des Plaines Five Corners/River-Rand TIF zone is a small group of odd buildings. This is the only part of the inner triangle (and the only part of the TIF district I've shown you) that looks like a common-sense definition of blighted, especially when seen from behind: Really, that does look a bit run down. But … [Read more...] about Des Plaines TIF: A Strange Mix
Good News In the International Plaza TIF Battle
I've been meaning to comment on this, but Cal Skinner beat me to it. Graydon Megan is reporting in the Chicago Tribune that the deal between Arlington Heights and Target Corporation is in the toilet. "Target has realized, I think, with the passage of time, increased costs and the pending lawsuits, it doesn't make economic sense for them to proceed under our own redevelopment … [Read more...] about Good News In the International Plaza TIF Battle
Des Plaines TIF: Jimmy’s Restaurant
The Des Plaines TIF is so huge that I've got to start posting more pictures or I'll never get done. So here's a few pictures from Jimmy's Restaurant, another property threatened by eminent domain in the Des Plaines Five Corners/River-Rand TIF District. As you can see, Jimmy has been pretty active in the TIF opposition effort. There may be some actual blight in the Des … [Read more...] about Des Plaines TIF: Jimmy’s Restaurant