A proposed amendment to the Virginia Constitution that curbs the power of local governments to seize private property via eminent domain passed the General Assembly earlier this year by an overwhelming majority, but it must be approved by the General Assembly again before going to voters for final approval in 2012. The Virginia League of Municipalities is lobbying heavily against the amendment, which requires governments to pay the true value of any land seized and to reimburse landowners for their financial losses. Continuing abuse of eminent domain in Arlington and Alexandria demonstrate why this amendment is sorely needed.

Arlington County Manager Barbara Donnellan has inappropriately raised the threat of eminent domain to seize a seven-story office building in Courthouse Plaza and displace current tenants so the county can turn two floors into a homeless shelter. But as The Washington Examiner’s Aubrey Whelan reported, the building is already for sale by its Toronto-based owners for $25.5 million. By raising the specter of government seizure, Donnellan is trying to bully the landowners into lowering their asking price.