InfoHive – Eminent Domain

What’s the deal? Inglewood City Council has approved the use of eminent domain for a new Clippers Stadium.

Why should we care? Local governmental entities are starting to look at how the use of eminent domain disproportionately against Black property owners.

Why does this matter to me? Building stadiums is big business and controversial. Each is a roadmap on how to move any project forward.

si.com | Inglewood Approves Use of Eminent Domain to Aquire Property for Clippers Arena

What’s the deal? A 5G rollout in Houston has property owners up in arms over the aesthetic appeal of 5G infrastructure.

Why should we care? Everyone wants faster internet speeds. Everyone is trying to figure out how to increase access to internet, including access to broadband.

Why should I care? Lots of stakeholders in this mix, including property owners, Telecommunications companies, device manufacturers, lawmakers and industry associations.

Houston Chronicle | ‘It’s ugly’: Verizon 5G data boxes appear without notice on Houston front lawns

What’s the deal? Rules for restaurants changed during COVID lockdowns. Permit processes were streamlined, outdoor roads and spaces were opened, alcoholic beverage code rules were relaxed, and parking rules moved.

Why should we care? Restaurants have taken an economic hit, and are looking toward innovation. Relaxing old rules from an old regime looks a lot like innovation to some.

Why does this matter to me? Like a drive through margarita? new sidewalk dining? Eating in restaurants? Like to eat? The future holds new rules and more access to curbside pickup or short term loading zones.

Route Fifty | Covid Caused Cities to Rework Rules for Restaurants. Which Changes Will Stick?

Where: Memphis TN

The project utilizing eminent domain: A pipeline

Data supporting a disproportionate impact to Black land owners:

• Black landowners are 75% more likely to live near a polluting facility based on a 2017 report by the NAACP and the Clean Air Task Force

MLK 50 | Eminent domain lets pipeline developers take land, pay little, say Black property owners

Prohibiting race based hair discrimination is coming to Texas thanks to HB 1113 (2021 | TX)

What will the Texas bill require?

• Schools must have staff development in cultural competence and implicit bias
• Grooming policies cannot discriminate
• Employees cannot be discriminated against based on hair texture or protective hair

Hair. Is Deeply Personal. Welcome to The Crown Act.

• July 24, 2020

What is The Crown Act? ““Create a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair,” is a law that prohibits race-based hair discrimination, which is the denial of employment and educational opportunities because of hair texture or protective hairstyles including braids, locs, twists or bantu knots.”

Which industries are supporting the state legislation?

• Dove
• U. S. Black Chambers, Inc.
• EARTHGIRL
• Women in Public Policy, Inc.
• Ujima, Inc.
• California Black Chamber of Commerce
• + more

8 States have passed the Crown Act.

9 States are actively considering the legislation.

20+ states have neither considered it nor passed the legislation.

According to Gov. Abbott tweets this week, Texas will sue the new administration concerning private property rights.

The private property rights of the ranchers and churches on the border subjected to the border wall? We’ll see.

WOAI | Gov. Abbott Says State May File Lawsuits Against Biden White House

SB 522 (2021 | FL) will preempt local regulations including specifically inspection and licensing.

What will rental platforms have to do under this bill?

• Quarterly reports for tax purposes
• Comply with state tourism laws

The Center Square | Revived vacation rental bill signals renewed Florida preemption push

Florida Politics | Vacation rental preemption left Ron DeSantis cold, but it’s back in 2021

One of the contractors of California’s high speed rail sent a letter to the states’s high speed rail authority explaining state delay in obtaining land (via eminent domain) is slowing down the rail.

It’s years behind schedule and billions and billions above cost estimates.

Los Angeles Times | Contradicting State, Bullet Train Contractor Reveals Delays

Study authors:  Texas A&M Natural Resources Institute, Texas Water Resources Institute and Texas Land Trust Council

What’s a conservation easement?

• a voluntary agreement between a landowner and a qualified non-governmental organization or government entity
• the landowner still owns the land
• the landowner remains in charge of its day-to-day management
• the landowner commits to minimize or avoid certain types of non-agricultural development on their property by selling or donating some property rights
• The land trust or public entity holding the easement monitors the property to ensure the terms are upheld in perpetuity.

How is value derived from these easements?

• $2.9 million in agricultural commodities.
• $7.3 million in water replacement costs.
• $170,400 in wildlife consumptive uses.
• A 27:1 return on investment.
• A 10:1 leveraging ratio.
• A $148 avg. per acre state investment.
• 86% of projects were leveraged to get funding support beyond landowner contribution.

Texas A&M Today | Report: Conservation Easements Yield Financial, Ecological Benefits

AirBnB has taken 2 positions:

• To cancel rentals in the Washington D.C. area during the Presidential Inauguration
• To ban from its platform “numerous individuals” either associated with known hate groups or found to have been involved in the Capitol riot

What circumstances led to this decision?

• the Capitol area is on a high security alert
• D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan and Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam issued statements asking people to stay away

What compensation will be provided?

• refunds will be paid to those who had reserved rentals
• hosts will be compensated for losses

Route Fifty | Airbnb Cancels Rentals in Washington, D.C. Region for Inauguration Week