5/27/2007

Rell taps lawyer to become first property rights ombudsman: Long Island NY Newsday, 5/18/07

Gov. M. Jodi Rell announced Friday she is nominating a Middletown attorney to become the first property rights ombudsman in Connecticut, where a battle over eminent domain went to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Robert S. Poliner, 64, a former chairman of the state Republicans, is a principal of the firm Poliner, Poliner, Antin & Cienava Rocco, PC, where he specializes in business and real estate, municipal and government law.

State lawmakers created the position last year, but it has gone unfilled until now. The office is supposed to help property owners navigate eminent domain proceedings, mediate disputes and recommend changes in Connecticut's eminent domain laws.

Rell, a Republican, said Poliner "understands that homeowners and businesses of Connecticut need an experienced advocate on their side."

Poliner's nomination awaits legislative confirmation.

In 2005, the U.S. Supreme Court sparked national outrage by ruling that the city of New London could take homes in the Fort Trumbull neighborhood to make way for private development. Despite efforts by some Republican lawmakers to prevent the taking of property for private development projects, Connecticut lawmakers have not yet made any changes to the state's eminent domain laws.

Rell proposed legislation this session that would only allow eminent domain takings after the local government approves them by a two-thirds vote.


Long Island NY Newsday: http://www.newsday.com

No comments:

Post a Comment

New comment on Eminent Domain Watch