The use of eminent domain to seize private property has become a tool of economic development in some parts of Baltimore.

“The city thinks they can just go around seizing people?s land for their own purposes,” said John Murphy, who is one of the top eminent domain lawyers in the state. “Promising private owners? properties to developers even before going to court to legitimately seize it. Just look at how they promised the Weinberg Foundation privatelyheld property in the city?s Westside. It?s unimaginable.”