|
|
THAT'S OUTRAGEOUS:
Property rights becoming an endangered species
From Washington State to Kentucky, property rights are under attack by radical
environmentalists and politically connected developers.
King County, Wash is considering one of the most restrictive land-use laws in
the nation. If approved, land owners would be required to set aside 65 percent
of their property and keep it in a natural, vegetative state. Nothing could be
built on this land and if a tree is cut down, it must be replanted…or else.
Rural property owners like Marshall Brenden would be most affected. Brenden told
Fox News that the proposal amounts to “out and out stealing.”
The law expands its tentacles even further by limiting development to only 10
percent of property based on the questionable conclusions of government-paid
scientists. Other scientists say the proposed rules ensure virtually no
development can take place and that such a strict policy is not necessary to
ensure a clean environment.
Environmental groups like the 1000 Friends of Washington sneer at those
concerned about property rights as being “hysterical.”
It appears Newport, Kentucky’s city government has a similar low regard for the
rights of property owners.
Seven property owners oppose the city of Newport’s attempt to acquire their land
on behalf of a developer who wants to build a retail-office-residential
development. Three of those owners appealed to the Kentucky Court of Appeals
after Campbell Circuit Judge Leonard Kopowski ruled in June that the city could
use eminent domain to get the properties.
Our Constitution and Bill of Rights protects property rights on the same level
as it does with our other most cherished freedoms. Neither the radical agenda of
out-of-touch environmentalists nor the land-grabbing tactics of misguided
politicians should be allowed to pose such a potent threat against an important
cornerstone of our liberty.
Sources:
“Major revisions to 14-year-old wetland rules sought” by Keith Ervin, The
Seattle Times
“The 65-10 rule: a bad way to preserve rural land” by Toby Nixon, The
Seattle Times
“65-10: the right balance for King County lands” by John Healy and Ross
Freeman, The Seattle Times
“Private Property May Become Preserved,” Fox News
“Seven property owners still holding out” by Jeanne Houck, Kentucky Post
|
