Letter: Eminent domain has good uses

Unfortunately, the abusive use of eminent domain in both instances has contributed to the cynicism in using it at all.

There is no argument here that eminent domain for public use is often necessary, despite occasional errors and litigation. Otherwise, we might see zigzag 10-mile public roadways where five straight miles will do.

It is fundamentally unfair to take one's land to turn over to anther private party, regardless of compelling community need for change. Having legal authority to do so only sugarcoats it.

On the other hand, the city could quietly assemble land parcels through good-faith bargaining and then promote projects, as it is now admirably doing in the downtown office core. It's called redevelopment the fair and honest way.

LEO O. TAFOLLA

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