Eminent Domain Bill on Gov's Desk

Governor Blagojevich has the eminent domain bill on his desk. The bill preempts home rule, so those of you who are concerned about such things might want to take a look at the fine print. There is mention of the affordable housing act in relation to this bill.

And then there's this, which seems to me to open up people's historic homes to takeover. You tell me.

Senate Floor Amendment No. 2
Further amends the Statute on Statutes in relation to the exercise of eminent domain for private development purposes. Excludes from the term "private development": (1) development for which the exercise of eminent domain is authorized under the Telephone Company Act; and (2) development of property that is a historic resource, local landmark, or contributing structure within a local landmark district, if the proposed development requires that the character of the property be preserved.

Here's the Daily Herald's description of the pros and cons of the bill. And here's their editorial, via state Sen. Susan Garrett's site.