Constitution Party of Florida Denounces Eminent Domain in Riviera Beach

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Jack McLain, Vice Chairman
Constitution Party of Florida
561-741-7592
press@cpflorida.com
http://www.cpflorida.com/

Constitution Party of Florida Denounces Eminent Domain in Riviera Beach

Jupiter, FL, December 27, 2005 — We of Florida, and all America, should denounce the injustice being imposed upon the residents and citizens of Riviera Beach, Florida, in the current threat to the taking of their properties through the action of the Community Redevelopment Agency.

In probably the largest action ever against citizens and businesses in the history of our nation, upwards of 5000 to 6000 persons are scheduled for displacement. The $2.4 billion redevelopment plan has the approval of the mayor of Riviera Beach who admits the purpose is that of increasing the tax base.

This action has resulted from the unconstitutional Supreme Court ruling of last June in the case of Kelo v. City of New London who ruled that a city may seize private homes and use the land for an economic revitalization project provided the city pays the homeowners "just compensation."

This ruling was foreign to our Constitution which in no way provides for the federal government to take private property for redevelopment and increased taxation. The Constitution plainly states:"...nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation" (5th Amend.). Historically, "public use" has been reserved for purposes such as an essential road, military use, or a necessary government building.

Concerning "just compensation," the homeowners of Riviera Beach are under the opinion that they will be forced to surrender their properties at one-half or less of the current market value and will be, in effect, displaced persons who will not be able to buy property in Palm Beach County at such a price. They ask, "What would keep this from happening to anyone, anywhere in America?"

Much of this area has been declared "blighted." The question arises as to the definition of blight. Florida law states that private property can be taken to cure "blight." Of the method for determining blight, only one of fourteen criteria may be used to make such a declaration. Even such factors as the number of fire and police calls may be used. Residents believe that conditions of blight do not pertain to their area.

The Constitution Party of Florida opposes this proposed action against the residents of Riviera Beach as both unconstitutional and unethical. The right to own, control and dispose of his or her property is fundamental to our constitutional republic. Increased tax revenue for government is not more important than one's home.

We call on the Community Redevelopment Agency to keep hands off the private property of taxpaying citizens. We call upon the Legislators of Florida to make changes in the definition of what constitutes blight in an area. And we call upon the United States Congress to restrain the Supreme Court, to include the reversing of the eminent domain decision of this year.

For more information, contact: Jack McLain at 561-741-7592.
Constitution Party of Florida, 16874 131st Way N., Jupiter, FL 33478

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I am sending out the press release to various news organizations and local and state elected officials, maybe we can help save these 6,000 homes!

 

I haven't heard from Rush about it yet, I know that many of the wealthy in the West Palm Beach area want this to happen, they hope it will help improve their property tax values, I would like to hear from Rush, since he lives in the West Palm Beach area.

Here is the only thing I can find on Google about Rush and Riviera Beach, it's not from him, but on what appears to be a fan club site of his:

Riviera Beach, Fla., one of the last remaining areas of affordable beachfront homes in Southern Florida. Many of the families have owned their homes for generations. But according to city planners, it's a waste to have all those lovely beach views enjoyed by mere ordinary folks. That's why the city plans to replace them with luxury housing and luxury hotels. Those working families can just live somewhere without a view that the city thinks it could profit from.

Source: Rush Limbaugh Club of So. Orange County, CA