Unintended Consequences: Eminent Domain and Affordable Housing

26 Pages Posted: 8 Sep 2006

See all articles by Matthew J. Parlow

Matthew J. Parlow

Chapman University, The Dale E. Fowler School of Law

Abstract

The continuing controversy regarding Kelo v. City of New London demonstrates that there are a number of problems and tensions associated with eminent domain that entice scholars. This article addresses one such problem: the singular link between eminent domain and affordable housing. Though rarely discussed, this link reveals a long history of cities' use of their eminent domain power to advance development projects that rarely include affordable housing. Moreover, when cities condemn property through eminent domain to further new development projects, they often do so in a manner that undermines many of the goals of building more affordable housing. As the need for affordable housing increases, cities' taking of private property for "public purposes" has helped decrease the number of affordable housing units instead of helping keep up with the demand. Moreover, the two competing views in the ongoing debate regarding the proper definition of a constitutional "public use" both marginalize affordable housing. This interplay between eminent domain and affordable housing raises concerns from a social justice perspective and an economic perspective. This article analyzes the sources and issues that have led to the problems stemming from the link between eminent domain and affordable housing and highlights some potential solutions.

Keywords: Eminent Domain, Takings, Kelo, Affordable Housing, Economic Development, Public Use, Public Purpose

JEL Classification: K1, K11, O1, O10, O2, O20, R3, R31, R5, R52

Suggested Citation

Parlow, Matthew J., Unintended Consequences: Eminent Domain and Affordable Housing. Santa Clara Law Review, Vol. 46, No. 2, Summer 2006, Chapman University Law Research Paper No. 06-08, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=928754

Matthew J. Parlow (Contact Author)

Chapman University, The Dale E. Fowler School of Law ( email )

One University Drive
Orange, CA 92866-1099
United States
714.628.2649 (Phone)

Do you have negative results from your research you’d like to share?

Paper statistics

Downloads
1,036
Abstract Views
4,582
Rank
39,734
PlumX Metrics