Seminar Explores Eminent Domain

Tuesday’s seminar, sponsored by Lorman Education Services, touched on many aspects of eminent domain. It was moderated by William J. Ward, of Carlin, Ward, Ash & Heiart LLC law firm in Florham Park, who invited distinguished panelists including state Sens. Ron Rice, D-Essex, and Ellen Karcher, D-Monmouth, Mercer. Among presentation topics were: case-law changes, environmental issues, relocation assistance, pay-to-play and redevelopment ethics and legislative reform.

“The public, post-Kelo, is now very much aware of eminent domain,” said Ward. “The public is not in favor of taking private property to give it to a private developer. That’s pretty clear from polling that’s been done. The legislators, if they’re going to listen to their constituents, have to do something about it.” – By Gene Racz, Staff Writer