[RP TownTalk] Introduction of Ordinance 2013-OR-03, to authorize the acquisition of 5731 Baltimore Avenue by eminent domain

[James D. Holmes]

Here we go again



The Mayor and Council of Riverdale Park plan to introduce an Ordinance 
on Monday night to condemn and seize the property know as Jey's Auto at 
5731 Baltimore Ave.  Recently, the Town made an unsuccessful attempt to 
purchase the property for $500,000.00   Now the Mayor and Council 
believe they have the right to condemn and seize the property under the 
eminent-domain laws of the Town and State.

Why is the Town so obsessed in purchasing this parcel of land.  Is it 
because the property owners refused to sell to Pulte Homes several years 
ago.  The Town will face an uphill battle in court if they attempt to 
condemn and seize the property.

The City of Hyattsville is engaged in expensive court litigation against 
two property owners within blocks of Jey's Auto.  The City of 
Hyattsville at least has a plan for the property they are attempting to 
condemn and seize.  They want to build a parking facility.  What plans 
does the Town of Riverdale Park have in mind for Jey's Auto?

Michael Herman (resident and Past Mayor for Riverdale Park),  lawyer for 
the two property owners said that the city's initial offer was far lower 
than what other surrounding properties have gone for in recent years.  
"If you look at land transfers that have occurred in the last few years, 
some of the parcels in the EYA project have gone for approximately $4 
million per acre," said Herman in an interview. "The city was offering 
my client one third the value of their land."

_http://hyattsville.patch.com/articles/city-seeks-eminent-domain-judgement-to-build-parking-garage_


With declining property values and a projected loss of tax revenues for 
the next few years.  How is the Town of Riverdale Park planning to pay 
for this outrageous purchase.  Are we going to float more bonds?


It's time for the residents of Riverdale Park to wake up and tell the 
Mayor and Council to stop wasting our money on fruitless projects.




James D. Holmes









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