The Property Ownership Fairness Act

Assignment Introduction:

Wilber Eugene has a problem. The city of Brooklyn, Michigan, recently sent him a notice that they are going to take his home and surrounding property through an imminent domain action. He says that he suspected they were going to try to take his home eventually. The city is building a new park nearby, and they have already taken and destroyed several houses to prepare for the park project. Wilbur explains that his house is different, though, since it is located adjacent to the park project, unlike the houses that were located within the proposed park boundaries.

When Wilbur went down to city hall to ask why his house was included, someone explained that the city wants to give his property to a private company that intends to build a state-of-the-art sports complex next to the park. The city will not own any part of the complex, but they expect the tax revenues generated by the sports complex to help boost the city’s income enough to complete the park project. Wilbur wants to know if the city is allowed to take his property for that purpose.

Assignment Instructions:

Your managing attorney has asked you to research this issue and write a predictive memorandum of law that sets forth the rights and duties of both Wilbur and the city. Specifically, can the city take Wilbur’s property and give it to a private company for the purpose of generating increased tax revenue? Be sure to cite to authoritative sources and follow the format provided in your textbook.

Required Criteria:

In addition to fulfilling the specifics of the Assignment, a successful paper must also meet the following criteria:

• Length should be 2-3 pages, excluding cover page and references page.
• Double-spaced (except for the case brief) and in a 12-point font
• Viewpoint and purpose should be clearly established and sustained
• Assignment should follow the conventions of Standard American English (correct grammar, punctuation, etc.).
• Writing should be well ordered, logical and unified, as well as original and insightful.
• Your work should display superior content, organization, style, and mechanics.
• Appropriate citation style should be followed.