Souter's property in Weare is a somewhat rickety farmhouse on eight undeveloped acres. The assessed value is $108,000, ridiculously low for that much acreage in that area. Souter does not contribute significantly to the local economy, nor does he employ many workers. To a greater degree than the Kelo family residence in New London, Conn., Souter's property fits the very definition of "blighted"that the courts so blithely and regularly accept as a valid reason to take private property and give it to private developers.
Monday, August 15, 2005
Is Justice Souter's house "blighted property"
John Babiarz makes the case that Justice Souter's house could be put to better use: