October 25th, 2019 by WCBC Radio
Cumberland City Councilman Eugene Frazier is the lone member of the council on record as opposing the use of eminent domain as an option to clear the proposed site for the Cumberland Gateway Plaza. More commonly known as the Rolling Mill project, about a dozen properties have not yet been acquired as some people are refusing to sell. That could scale down the project- creating a build- around situation- which likely would generate less tax revenue for the city and fewer economic development opportunities. By opposing eminent domain for Rolling Mill- Frazier has been criticized in some circles as simply catering to a small group of constituents as opposed to considering the big picture and what is best for all of Cumberland …
Frazier adds that doing a build-around may eventually lead some of those who have declined to sell to re-consider…
Frazier said he believes eminent domain should be reserved for developments that are nonprofit such as a school, hospital or a public road as opposed to commercial developments.
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October 25, 2019 at 7:01 am, Steve said:
I agree with Mr Frazier. How can you publish the term “some circles” without revealing who that group or individual is? That is irresponsible reporting……hear say……
October 25, 2019 at 8:06 am, Mel said:
> I agree with Mr. Frazier. Eminent domain should never be used to increase revenue for government at the cost of peoples’ homes and way of life.
October 25, 2019 at 3:45 pm, mac said:
> It’s called rumor mongering or fake news. You can always count on WCBC try to stir the pot.
October 25, 2019 at 2:25 pm, hollywood said:
In principle I would agree with Mr. Frazier. The caveat being that once an extremely large amount of money is expended as is the case with this project, the commitment is too great not to follow through. A build around defeats the project’s original overview making it nearly useless, both aesthetically and economically. The lagging property values in Cumberland have appreciated roughly 20% in the last year. ( finally ) Get 3 appraisals, at least one from an outside MAI. average them or select the middle ground, the sellers will be better off than a year ago. If there are any who refuse to sell at that point, the city must proceed with eminent domain, any thing less would be negligence on the part of the mayor & city council. The concept behind eminent domain is a police action which benefits the community a large and if that’s a for profit retail project that enhances the tax base, then so be it. Only a truly misinformed liberal would reserve eminent domain for non-profits, and besides, do you know of any nonprofit hospitals, I don’t.
October 26, 2019 at 8:00 am, mac said:
> You state the you agree in principle then immediately argue into taking the opposite position.
That is unprincipled and a very conservative republican way of thinking.
October 27, 2019 at 5:09 pm, Mark said:
> So because the city was stupid enough to throw away millions of tax dollars, it’s imperative the city throw away millions more! Great logic, you must work in government! lol
October 27, 2019 at 5:12 pm, Mark said:
> And you want to use the police to steal people’s homes for rich developers too? You are a very sick, twisted p.o.s.
October 26, 2019 at 10:58 am, hollywood said:
Yes mac I realize how that looks, I still have a little bit of that 60′s hippy left in me. However, common sense prevails.
October 27, 2019 at 5:42 pm, hollywood said:
Mark you are clearly uneducated, I’ve read some of your post before, a little bit out there. No, the police do not steal people’s property. Police Action has a much broader meaning, such as government administration by way of existing statutes, laws & regulations and the courts, but of course you knew that right ? By the way, work in government ? Don’t think so. pos. let me guess, Positively Outstanding SOB.