Padilla Urges Ban on Eminent Domain

Los Angeles City Councilman Alex Padilla asked the council on Friday to ban the Community Redevelopment Agency from using eminent domain powers in the northeast San Fernando Valley to force owners of residential properties to sell for development.

In a motion submitted to the council for future consideration, Padilla also proposed that the redevelopment agency focus on developing projects on commercial and industrial properties, while also helping first-time home-buyers.

Padilla conceded that some people fear that the agency will take homes unless there are restrictions on the use of eminent domain powers.

“The residents of the northeast San Fernando Valley deserve to have a redevelopment project that is consistent with the communities’ needs and hopes,” Padilla said.