Council sets public hearing on bookstore seizure Tuesday, July 14, 2009
By a vote of 5-2, the City Council took the next-to-last step Monday toward seizing and demolishing the Erie Boulevard adult bookstore. But with two council members staunchly opposed to the eminent domain seizure, and several others on the fence, it remained unclear whether the bookstore would actually be demolished. The City Council will hold a public hearing on the issue and then take the final vote to knock down the store or leave it open. The hearing will occur on Aug. 10 at 6 p.m. at City Hall, council members decided Monday. Two council members tried to block the legislation by opposing the public hearing. Without a hearing, eminent domain could not proceed. “I’ve never been in favor of eminent domain. It just seems to be an invasion of people’s rights and property, unless you’ve got a real outstanding reason, and I haven’t heard one,” said Councilman Joseph Allen, who voted against moving to a public hearing. Councilwoman Barbara Blanchard also voted against going forward, saying eminent domain would only be needed if the council approves a redesign for Erie Boulevard. The controversial plan has been repeatedly redrawn, and as of yet, no design has even reached the council for approval. Blanchard said the design should be approved first — and implied that she wouldn’t vote for it. “I’ve also driven around and around on Ferry and Erie streets, and Erie Boulevard, and I’m not convinced the angle of the streets is so bad,” she said. The adult bookstore would be demolished to straighten the South Ferry Street-Erie Boulevard intersection. Other council members did not praise the plan, but said they wanted to hear public comment before voting on eminent domain. “This is only to call for a public hearing so we can hear from the public, what their views are,” said Councilwoman Denise Brucker, who voted to hold a public hearing. Councilmen Mark Blanchfield and Thomas Della Sala also said they want to hear from all parties before the final vote. Several outspoken business owners have discussed the matter at length during council meetings, but owners in favor of the redevelopment have been reluctant to speak. The only council member to speak wholeheartedly in favor of the project was Gary McCarthy, who said the expanse of pavement and concrete at the entrance to the city must be changed. The plan calls for trees and landscaping as well as safer intersections. “This Erie Boulevard project, though it has generated a little controversy, is another key component in the development of downtown,” McCarthy said. “It is running, by my estimate, a year behind schedule. We’ve got to make some decisions.”..........>>>>.............>>>>.............http://www.dailygazette.com/news/2009/jul/14/0714_citycouncil/
There is no real need for a design change on Erie Blvd because there's no traffic or safety problem and no benefit to the community. The real reason is to eliminate the adult book store using any means at their disposal and this is so wrong to use eminent domain in this way. Eminent domain was never meant to be used in this way and this is a perfect example of government out of control.
Look....no one wants an adult 'anything' in their neighborhood. The city leaders and the plex are so hell bent on doing 'something', 'anything' to Erieblvd, such as redesign an entire stretch of road and take a business by eminent domain....and yet they can't even handle a little diner that is falling apart day by day. Scary isn't it?
When the INSANE are running the ASYLUM In individuals, insanity is rare; but in groups, parties, nations and epochs, it is the rule. -- Friedrich Nietzsche
“How fortunate for those in power that people never think.” Adolph Hitler
There is no real need for a design change on Erie Blvd because there's no traffic or safety problem and no benefit to the community. The real reason is to eliminate the adult book store using any means at their disposal and this is so wrong to use eminent domain in this way. Eminent domain was never meant to be used in this way and this is a perfect example of government out of control.
Bravo! Add one more thing-not one business on Erie supports the current "plan" or seizing businesses for no reason. If Son of Sam proceeds with this folly Erie will not have one business left. The gas station, the bank, the credit union, the lighting store, etc, are all leaving if this nonsense continues.
The funniest thing was hearing the stunad developer state that this project will "create jobs". Since when does losing dozens of businesses create jobs?
no body is doing any of that domaine taking so relax please and drop this subject now
The Daily Gazetto would differ with you. But don't want to confuse you with the facts. Please get updated talking points from Mayor Son of Sam. He gots 2 in the hopper.
I'm sure Mr. Palmer will go down fighting on this one!
When the INSANE are running the ASYLUM In individuals, insanity is rare; but in groups, parties, nations and epochs, it is the rule. -- Friedrich Nietzsche
“How fortunate for those in power that people never think.” Adolph Hitler
I'm sure Mr. Palmer will go down fighting on this one!
Yes he will. None of the business owners are happy down there. Sunoco is threatening to close that station because one entrance would be eliminated under the plan. It'll be a continuation of the ghosttown
Mayor Son of Sam has a great plan for Erie! Remove all the remaining business and make room for more County offices. This guy is a complete flop-reassessment, Erie and the SPD-3 strikes and you're out.
We, as residents of the county should also be there to speak up about this. Besides how this is going to affect a street that we may travel, it's also going to affect the tax base, which is a county issue. They take out buildings, it's going to raise our taxes. I don't care if it's an "adult" business, a McDonald's, or the house of the Mayor himself.
I personally don't like the idea of an adult 'anything' 'anywhere'. But the law is the law and the bookstore on Erie blvd has every right to do business there. So to reflect on what KM posted.....would Son of sam be pressing for eminent domain if it were a mcdonalds? I don't think so!
When the INSANE are running the ASYLUM In individuals, insanity is rare; but in groups, parties, nations and epochs, it is the rule. -- Friedrich Nietzsche
“How fortunate for those in power that people never think.” Adolph Hitler
Logged
Bravo! Add one more thing-not one business on Erie supports the current "plan" or seizing businesses for no reason. If Son of Sam proceeds with this folly Erie will not have one business left. The gas station, the bank, the credit union, the lighting store, etc, are all leaving if this nonsense continues. 
