I am dismayed by the Oak Park Village Board’s plan to use eminent domain to take over the US Bank property at Madison and Austin and surprised at the lack of opposition to the plan. My understanding of the historic and legal underpinnings of eminent domain is superficial at best, but I always thought it was meant to be used as a last resort and only for the greater public good. This instance seems to be based largely on convenience and finances.
Certainly, cheaper is better when it comes to a new police station and definitely sooner is better than later. Continuing the search for a suitable site will take more time and may cost more money, but are those factors sufficient justification for a takeover of private property in this manner? If this proves to be a relatively simple and easy way for the village to acquire property for an important project, what other properties might this or some future board go after a year or two or more down the road?
Karl Lauger
Oak Park