Real Estate & Property Law

Grand Valley State University Moves Forward

By Alan Ackerman

Grand Valley State University desires to expand its Grand Rapids campus.  The former A&P warehouse is in its way.  The article notes that the owner desired to cooperate in a joint venture in redevelopment of the warehouse, something refused by the University.

The reality here is that the University will probably find the power to condemn delegated by state statute.  However, the University should take a very close look at whether this property really could be developed successfully as part of  an accessory use to the University.

mlive.com

An amendment in the U.S. Constitution authorizes the state to appropriate property to certain public or private entities, as long as the intended development falls within the realm of "public use."

Lyon said university officials believe they have a strong case for development because the new building would be in the general interest of the community. The business school, she said, would serve thousands of students. The area all around the property includes acres of parking already owned by GVSU and is in close vicinity to its Pew campus.

 

Full post as published by National Eminent Domain Blog on June 30, 2010 (boomark / email).