Clarksville, TN Citizens Say NO to Controversial Eminent Domain Plan

Released on: December 4, 2007, 11:48 pm

Press Release Author: Terry McMoore, Director Urban Resource Center

Industry: Government

Press Release Summary: This plan could place over 1300 acres of land and more than
1800 homes, churches, businesses and even the Historic County Courthouse in danger
of seizure by private redevelopers who in turn receive big tax incentives.

Press Release Body: The citizens of Clarksville, TN are expressing their outrage
over an ordinance approved by the Clarksville City Council that now declares nearly
the entire downtown area and surrounding neighborhoods as "Blighted" which is the
new buzz word for eminent domain!

The Clarksville Center Redevelopment Plan orchestrated by the Downtown District
Partnership Board could place over 1300 acres of land and more than 1800 homes,
churches, businesses and even the Historic County Courthouse in danger of seizure by
private redevelopers who in turn receive big tax incentives.

A Public Debate & Forum on Eminent Domain and a community challenge to the City
Council's Vote will take place on Friday, December 14, 2007 at the H.O.P.E. Resource
Center building, 120-A Legion Street, downtown Clarksville, starting at 7:00 p.m.

Nashville attorney John Summers, who's representing many of the concerned residents
along with the City Attorney, NAACP President, City Council members, Downtown
District Partnership Board Chairman and Vice Chair, Clarksville Human Relations
Commission members, elected officials and educators, are either scheduled or have
been invited to speak at this event.

We are calling on the Clarksville City Council to rescind their earlier vote and ask
that the redevelopment plan ordinance and its wording be restructured to protect the
people and their property rights. The current way the ordinance is written is too
vague and gives the powers that be a personal blank check to do as they please. In
its present form the plan appears to be another obvious episode of the wealthy
versus the poor.

At the last meeting on this issue more than 75 residents opposed to this plan wore
buttons saying "No blight without a fight". Looks like the battle momentum will
continue at this event so we highly recommend that you attend.



CONTACT PERSON FOR THIS RELEASE:

Terry McMoore, Director, Urban Resource Center

(931) 378-1999 or (931) 552-9076 Email: terrymcmoore@hotmail.com




Web Site: http://

Contact Details: 211 Andrew Drive
Clarksville, TN 37042
931-378-1999
terrymcmoore@hotmail.com

  • Printer Friendly Format
  • Back to previous page...
  • Back to home page...
  • Submit your press releases...
  •