Senator Alesi Holds Hearing To Protect Property Owners

Senator James Alesi (R-C, Perinton), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Economic Development and Small Business, today held a hearing on Eminet Domain in Rochester.  The hearing is in response to the recent ruling by the United States Supreme Court stating that private property may be taken by eminent domain when a locality desires to make the property available for private commercial development.

"As Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Economic Development and Small Business, I am acutely aware of the benefits new businesses can bring to a community, and that there are limited circumstances when the use of eminent domain is appropriate," said Senator Alesi. "It can be used as a necessary tool for local governments to address issues of public concern, such as transportation, public safety, water supply and sewer services. However, sacrificing an individual’s right to own and control his or her own property for the ‘public purpose’ of private economic development is an abuse of the process."

Along with the Rochester hearing, Senator Alesi will also hold hearings statewide.  The series of statewide hearings will not only examine the Supreme Court decision, but delve deeply into the issue of eminent domain in order to find the most appropriate solution to the problem. From the information gathered at the hearings, a comprehensive piece of legislation will be drafted to balance the need to preserve a limited power of eminent domain for local governments with the demand to secure the rights of property owners.