It could have been requested by Townsend if he is trying to wait until he gets the property from Yellow Cab. Is anybody going to be able to watch the tape of the council meeting to see why?
The problem with watching them, is you have to wade through all the other crap (ie. Pollard and his crew) to get to the parts you're really interested in. If I happen to catch it, I'll let you all know.
I talked to someone at the EDC and they said that the project IS expected to happen but the timeline is unknown. They said there is still a chance it could break ground this year, but thats doubtful. He said that it will most likely break ground sometime next year, with an emphasis on "sometime."
I don't beleive that is the issue. What I had heard was that he wanted to get going on Ottawa @ Butler, then once that got on track, he would get going on this. The impression that I got was that everything is basically in place for the project to move forward.
If the cab company is holding out the city could use eminent domain, since their property is wanted for the new city lot, not the development itself. I doubt that will happen though, it would be horrible PR.
I've never read a thing about a correlation between eminent domain applications and city size.
I would think the City would avoid an eminent domain proceeding based on:
1. recent Michigan case law that curtails governments powers in taking property,
2. anticipation of a negative public response, particularly in light of the general disdain for eminent domain powers that came to light after the Supreme Court's Kelo v. New London decision in 2005.
Comments
They have a video tour of the project up also: Kalamazoo Gateway Tour
I would think the City would avoid an eminent domain proceeding based on:
1. recent Michigan case law that curtails governments powers in taking property,
2. anticipation of a negative public response, particularly in light of the general disdain for eminent domain powers that came to light after the Supreme Court's Kelo v. New London decision in 2005.