Contrary to what many believe, the legislature did not restrict the use of eminent domain for economic development.  As the N&O reports here, Durham is declaring an area of town blighted and taking 125 acres of private property in order to transfer it to private parties for redevelopment. Note that this is the second time the city has “redeveloped” this property.  Maybe the city should follow the successful redevelopment policies used in Anaheim, California which do not use eminent domain.  See the JLF report here

Much of the area was cleared for urban renewal in the 1970s but still suffers from underdevelopment, poverty and crime.