Defending Home and Hearth: Stories of Courage in the Fight Against Eminent Domain

Below are incidents where activists have fought against eminent domain.

Kelo v. City of New London (2005): In this landmark case, activists fought against the use of eminent domain for private development. "Your home could be next. If the government decides your property would generate more tax revenue as a shopping center or a hotel, it could take your home, too." - Dana Berliner, attorney for Susette Kelo (plaintiff in the case).

Atlantic Yards Project, Brooklyn (2003-2010): Activists protested against the use of eminent domain to make way for a sports arena and high-rise development.

Columbia University Expansion, Manhattan (2007-2009): Local residents and activists opposed the university's expansion plans, which relied on eminent domain to acquire properties. "It's a fight for the soul of our neighborhood. We're not going to let a private institution, a private university, take it away from us." - Nick Sprayregen, property owner opposing Columbia's expansion.

Susquehanna River Basin Commission, Pennsylvania (2010): Landowners and activists resisted the use of eminent domain for a natural gas pipeline.

Texas Border Wall (2008-2020): Activists and landowners along the U.S.-Mexico border fought against the use of eminent domain to build a border wall. “The question is: Do they run the fence through the middle of my property?" he says. "Or do they run the fence back toward the highway so I can’t get to it without going through a locked gate?” said Trxas rancher Tony Zavaleta.

New London, Connecticut, Fort Trumbull Redevelopment (1998-2005): Before Kelo, activists fought against the use of eminent domain for a redevelopment project. "This isn't just about my house; it's about everyone's house. It's about the right of people to be secure in their homes." - Susette Kelo, plaintiff in the case

Brooklyn Bridge Park Development (2004-2010): Activists and residents opposed the use of eminent domain for a waterfront park and luxury housing.

Sunoco Mariner East Pipeline, Pennsylvania (2018-ongoing): Eminent domain was used for a pipeline project, sparking protests and legal battles.

Southwestern Illinois Flood Prevention District Council (2008): Activists and landowners resisted the use of eminent domain for levee improvements.

These incidents represent a range of eminent domain conflicts across the United States, where activists and individuals have passionately defended their property rights and communities.

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