| Homeowners Mount Legal Battle To
Stop Eminent Domain
May 19, 2003 NewsNet5 3001 Euclid Avenue Cleveland, Ohio 44115 216-431-5555 html.newsnet5.com/news/liveonfive/ Feedback/Comments: feedback5@newsnet5.com Lakewood, Ohio - The city of Lakewood is running up against a wall of opposition as it paves the way for an upscale shopping and housing development. NewsChannel5's Tony Gaskins reported that homeowners are fuming and are mounting a legal battle to stop the project that could cost them their homes. A Washington legal group said Ohio is among the worst abusers of eminent domain and that it is taking on the Lakewood residents' case at no charge. The city considers the west-end area a blighted area and is using that designation to clear the way for a $150 million shopping, office and condominium project. Developers have begun buying up property in the area, but 17 homeowners and several businesses are vowing never to sell and are planning to fight it out in court. Jim and JoAnn Saleet have lived on the west end for 38 years in a home that offers them a spectacular view of the Rocky River gorge. It's a house they want to pass on to their daughter. "I had one of the councilman say, 'Unfortunately Mr. Saleet, you live in the prime area of Lakewood so they want this area because of the park system.' But we were here first," Jim Saleet said. "We were here 38 years and we want to stay here. But they won't let us stay here. They want this property." The Lakewood City Council will vote on the project Monday night. The mayor said the project would mean more jobs and tax revenue and would help keep people from moving out of the city. The Washington public interest law firm has filed a lawsuit to block the project and said it will spend whatever it takes to stop what they call a flagrant abuse of eminent domain. |