Pittsburgh officials voted in December to pursue eminent domain against a troubled senior housing complex, putting a spotlight on a legal tool that allows governments to take private property for public use—and the potentially serious consequences it can have for homeowners.
The Homewood House complex, which was acquired by out-of-state investors, is grappling with multiple problems. These challenges, as reported by Pittsburgh’s NPR News affiliate, WESA, include resident complaints about safety, an ongoing foreclosure by Fannie Mae, and a failed inspection by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). A resolution put forth by the city cited that “poor housing conditions for residents” could result in a possible sheriff’s sale,” which would be part of of an eminent domain move.
However, the resolution “doesn’t by itself allow for eminent domain; the move would still require city officials to file a legal document called a ‘declaration of taking’ and provide payment for the property,” according to WESA’s reporting—a step they have yet to take…