Author Archives: Tessa Zavala

What’s happening? The City of Smithtown NY wants to acquire via eminent domain the land of Oasis Gentleman’s Club (the SOB sexually oriented business). Why is this important? Yes, a creative use of eminent domain- don’t like a business then acquire the land by eminent domain, or the threat thereof and build a park. How […]

What’s happening? Charlotte, North Carolina is proposing to use its land for affordable housing development.   Why is this important? The city’s goal is to address acute affordable housing crisis in the city. This sounds familiar…. How will this be important? It is how the land is being used. The city is proposing long term, […]

What’s happening? The Goldwater Institute and Reason say Texas SB 968 (2021 | TX) is unconstitutional violation of property rights.  The constitution has long standing standards for businesses to protect their customers as they choose. The bill seeks to prevent businesses from requiring proofs of vaccination. Why is this important?“”The longstanding legal tradition has always […]

What’s happening? Texas Governor Abbott announced the state will build the border wall. Why is this important? The lands at the Texas border are privately owned, including ranch land with livestock that drinks from the Rio Grande. It’s complicated. The Trump Administration hadn’t resolved the eminent domain issue to acquire the land. Here we go…. […]

What’s happening? Homeowners say short term rentals are like living next to holiday inn. The solution, you ask, well, it is to create a minimum 6 month term for rental or lease of single-family homes with an exception for family members or previous/former owners. Why is this important? Instead of parameters on noise an nuisance, […]

What’s happening? We just met NFTs, I barely remember your name, and now we’re talking about rights. Let me at least get a refresher to know that your name means NonFungible Tokens. MFTs are built on blockchain. For the gaming people out there, I’m told it’s like buying a celebrity “skin” for your game. Why […]

What’s happening? The Nevada legislature passed a statewide short term rental bill that applied the state’s hotel tax across short term rentals. However, the bill also left land use decisions, like party houses, to local regulations. Why is this important? Its an example that an all or nothing legislative proposal can cross the finish line. […]

What’s happening? Republicans are calling for a special session in Missouri for a stalled eminent domain bill, HB 527 (2021 | MO) . Why is this important? The bill would “require companies wishing to establish merchant lines to provide proof of support from each county commission it would impact when applying for approval from the […]

What’s happening? People are doxing health care workers during the COVID pandemic. Colorado passed HB21-1107 (2021 | CO) to make it illegal to share the personal information of public health workers and their families online so that it can be used for purposes of harassment. Why is this important? Other states have addressed doxing across […]

What’s happening? This week marked the 100 year remembrance of the Tulsa Race Massacre. 50 years after the Massacre, the rebuilt black community met eminent domain when property was taken for a new highway. Why is this important? History and eminent domain are having a renaissance. How will this be important? Discussion of eminent domain […]