Controversial Eminent Domain Proposal Down But Not Out as Other Jurisdictions Keep Options Open
February 8, 2013
The securitization industry has successfully shot down high-profile attempts in San Bernardino County, CA, and in Chicago to use eminent domain to seize underwater, performing mortgages, write them down to fair market value and repackage them for sale to other investors. However, theyre not letting their guard down, as similar efforts continue in a number of other local jurisdictions throughout the country most notably Brockton, MA, and Salinas, CA. In Brockton, the City Council recently voted 9-2 in favor of setting up a working group to further explore the concept. It also voted to invite a handful of local community activists and city officials, as well as a representative from Mortgage Resolution Partners the architect of the proposal to appear before the finance committee. The issue on their agenda is...