Opinion ID: 2447003
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: The Skyland Project

Text: In 2004, the Council proposed legislation to allow NCRC to exercise eminent domain to acquire 18.5 acres of property at and around Skyland in order to engage in comprehensive redevelopment of the site. D.C. Council, National Capital Revitalization Corporation Eminent Domain Clarification and Skyland Eminent Domain Approval Amendment Act of 2004 [hereinafter Skyland Act], Bill 15-752 (March 2, 2004). After the bill's introduction, on April 28, 2004, the Council's Committee on Economic Development held a public hearing, during which there was extensive oral and written testimony both in favor of and in opposition to the legislation. See D.C. Council, Report on Bill 15-752 (Nov. 3, 2004). Subsequent to the public hearing, the Council added to the bill a number of findings supporting the exercise of eminent domain: the Council found, inter alia, that the area is a blighting factor; that it is characterized by underused, neglected, and poorly maintained properties; and that construction of a new shopping center on the site ... will further many important public purposes. Skyland Act, Bill 15-752, at 6 (Nov. 3, 2004). The Council found those public purposes to include the removal of unsanitary conditions, the reduction of crime, the provision of job opportunities and retail options for residents, and the revitalization of an economically distressed community. Id. The Council passed the bill on December 7, 2004, the Mayor signed it on December 29, 2004, and it became law on April 5, 2005 after the congressional review period ended. Skyland Act, D.C. Law 15-286; 52 D.C.Reg. 4567 (2005). NCRC proceeded to acquire most of the properties at Skyland through private negotiations and other condemnation actions. See, e.g., Rumber v. District of Columbia and NCRC, 487 F.3d 941 (D.C.Cir.2007); Franco v. National Capital Revitalization Comm'n (Franco I), 930 A.2d 160 (D.C.2007); Franco v. District of Columbia, 3 A.3d 300 (D.C.2010).