Duluth News Tribune
Published December 17 2008
Neighbors blast School Board vote on eminent domain Despite strong opposition from community members at a Duluth School Board meeting Tuesday night, board members approved using eminent domain if necessary to accomplish the district’s long-range buildings plan.
By: Sarah Horner , Duluth News Tribune
Despite strong opposition from about 40 community members at a Duluth School Board meeting Tuesday night, members of the board approved using eminent domain if necessary to accomplish the district’s long-range facilities plan.
Residents from the Ordean neighborhood pleaded with the board, sometimes with tears in their eyes, not to take private homes. After listening to public comment for more than an hour, board members voted 6-1 to pass the resolution. The measure allows the board to formally enter into negotiations with local real estate firm F.I. Salter to begin exploring the process of eminent domain. Board member Gary Glass was the lone vote against.
Tina Legarde was among those speaking against the move.
“If the board approves a resolution to use eminent domain now or in the future – you will resemble a bully on a playground who takes by force that which he wants,” she said.
The resolution does not mean the district actually will end up exercising eminent domain, said Bill Hanson, business director for the Duluth school district.
“This gives us the ability to use eminent domain as part of the process – if it becomes necessary,” Hanson said. “That would not be the district’s preference.”
