Ballot Could Pit Eminent Domain Protection Vs. Affordable Housing

By Jenny O'Mara, California Capitol Network, KPBS Public Broadcasting

Published November 20, 2007 at 1:50 PM PST

This story was published more than 16 years ago.

It's possible that voters will have dueling measures on the June ballot dealing with the issue of eminent domain. Supporters of the California Property Owners and Farmland Protection Act submitted mor

It's possible that voters will have dueling measures on the June ballot dealing with the issue of eminent domain. Supporters of the California Property Owners and Farmland Protection Act submitted more than a million signatures on Tuesday to qualify their initiative.

Jon Coupal is with the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association which is backing the measure.

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Coupal : It prevents government from seizing property from one person and giving it to another private interest under the guise of economic development.

The measure also would roll back rent control in the state. It would prevent government from setting the price at which owners could sell or lease property.

Opponents say the measure would eliminate a valuable tool to provide affordable housing. They're preparing to turn in signatures to qualify their own eminent domain initiative. Both sides are aiming to have their measures on the June, 2008 ballot.