WESTMINSTER : City OKs Disputed Redevelopment Plan

The City Council has adopted a controversial plan to expand its redevelopment area by more than 1,200 acres, about 15% of which covers residential neighborhoods, city officials said.

The expanded redevelopment area, totaling 2,164 acres, will become effective Aug. 19 and encompass almost all of the city’s developed industrial and commercial properties, according to Redevelopment Director Don Anderson.

At its July 18 meeting, the council voted 4-1 in favor of the plan, with Councilwoman Joy L. Neugebauer dissenting. Neugebauer objected to the inclusion of any residential property within the area, saying that it exposed residents to potential loss of their homes through eminent domain, which could enable the city to force the sale of their homes.

“To me, the benefit doesn’t come anywhere near to balancing out the people in that condition,” she said Tuesday.

However, Councilman Craig Schweisinger emphasized that there are no plans now to use eminent domain to acquire residential property and that there is an “upside” for residents. Should they want to sell their property to a car dealership, for example, inclusion in the redevelopment area would enable them to receive money from the city for relocation.