[Mpls] 5 lanes

[WJKAHN at aol.com]

    The power of eminent domain is not limited to roads, I think; as far as I 
know it never has been. It is true that condemnations are a hot button issue 
especially where government entities play fast and loose with the definition 
of "blight," but when condemnations serve a "higher public purpose" and 
property owners are fairly compensated, constitutionality does not enter into it. 
Constitutionality is only a factor when the condemnation can reasonbly be thought 
a "taking" of property; in most cases it is not and in those where it is, 
property owners are then compensated with settlements. I'm not familiar with the 
394/12 settlement mentioned, but $3 Million is a pittance when it comes to 
road building, repair, and maintenance.
     Five lanes on Lake seems like a good idea, as long as one is a dedicated 
bus lane and Gary and friends keep riding the Greenway. Lake is a mess and it 
has cost me and my taxicab customers plenty when I'm forced to drive that 
route at the wrong time; I don't have a choice unless the customer requests a 
longer/faster route.

Bill Kahn
Prospect Park