In this interesting commentary
by the Independent Institute’s Benjamin Powell, he discusses how a
California city (Hercules) is turning the tables on Wal-Mart and
seizing their property for an alleged better economic use.
As stated in the commentary:
“Wal-Mart
now finds itself to be the victim of the same strategy it has used to
gain a foothold in other communities: using the threat of eminent
domain to pressure property owners to sell.”
The article
though is critical of the city’s actions, which it should be.
However, it is a bit ironic that Wal-Mart, which often is criticized for using eminent domain to get their property, is now the victim.
I’m
no Wal-Mart hater, and I think the city’s actions are a disgrace
(especially given that it was done for smart growth and anti Wal-Mart
reasons), but I do take some guility pleasure in knowing that Wal-Mart
is experiencing firsthand how it feels to be an eminent domain
victim. Maybe they will act differently, and ethically, in the
future when it comes to getting property for future stores.
