Mover Mike

Back in 2004, a fight ensued between Rowan University, a private property owner, and Walmart. The private property owner contacted with representatives of Walmart to sell his 25 acres, part of a 115 acre plat. Apparently, Rowan University failed to negotiate. The University offered $2.85 Million for the 25 acres, property it could have purchased a number of years ago. After the property was purchased by Walmart, it was rezoned, commercial, and Walmart had big plans that were approved by the Harrison Township. The Township could see $1 Million in new tax revenues from the property. Failing to win at the negotiating table, Rowan University filed a lawsuit in Superior Court in late October, 2004. The documents sought to condemn the property and to allow the state university to acquire the land through eminent domain.

In January of 2005, Wal-Mart Loses Land To University

Because Rowan is a state institution, their board has the right to acquire land for college purposes via eminent domain. To hold onto the land, Wal-Mart had to charge that the university abused its power of eminent domain.

Kelo can't happen in New Jersey because "The New Jersey Constitution has a higher standard"

Now why do I care about this case? First, two private parties negotiated and reached a mutual decision. The University failed to negotiate in good faith, on property they had every opportunity to buy earlier. Then they resorted to force to get what they wanted over the objections of the property owner, Walmart, and Harrison Township. How is this any different than what Tony Soprano would do?

Eminent Domain