Rail completion calls for eminent domain
by Paul Matson, reporter

    Eminent domain is exerted by a sovereign state over all property within its boundaries. Through eminent domain, a state can appropriate any land for public use with reasonable compensation being made.

    If ever there was a case for eminent domain, it is the case of the Texas and Pacific rail station at Jones and 9th streets in downtown Fort Worth.

    Taylor Gandy, owner of the T & P station, the property in question, has refused an offer of $1.2 million from the City of Fort Worth.

    Gandy says the land is worth $1.9 million.

The land is appraised at $377,000, and the dispute is delaying the completion of the final segment of the Trinity Rail Express, which now ends in Richland Hills.

    The project was expected to be completed in October but now is on hold.

    This is a very important project, not just for Fort Worth and Dallas, but for all cities in between.

    The train has been popular since its inception, running near capacity daily. Not only has the train decreased traffic congestion, it is decreasing air pollution.

    Eminent domain was never intended for shopping malls or sports stadiums. It was meant for new schools, roads and civic projects vital to the citizenry.

    It is true only the rich can hold up major projects whereas normal people are forced from their homes for projects that should not qualify as eminent domain.

    One woman in Hurst only wanted to die at home. She was evicted two weeks before her death, all for the expansion of North East Mall.

    It is past time to get the Trinity Rail Service on track and on time.
This is truly a worthwhile cause within the definition of eminent domain, not a case of enema domain.