The Kelo Case and Its Effects Saanvi Kunisetty

 The Kelo Case and Its Effects

Saanvi Kunisetty

The precedent set by the Kelo case allowed private land to be seized by the government for economic development, and while it still causes a lot of controversy among many, the state governments have been upholding the precedent and using it in beneficial ways. For instance, the precedent set by the Kelo case has really shaped New York City into how it is today. New York Times has their main building in this city, and was only designed and built there because eminent domain allowed for the New York State Urban Development Corporation and the Empire State Development Corporation to clean up the street so that the Times Building would improve economic development. Today, New York Times is one of the main sources that people go to for daily news and updates. Ultimately, New York City is known for its sky-high towers and huge office buildings, and without eminent domain, it simply wouldn’t be the same. Another event we can look at relates to something more recent- the Black Lives Matter movement. Seven and a half years ago, the Brooklyn Arena was established in Barclays Center with the help of the precedent set by the Kelo case. The plaza was instilled, much to the dismay of many residents. But they didn’t know what a great change this center would make many years later. When the shooting of George Floyd occured, the people needed to protest against this outrageous act. And what came to save them in this time of need? The Brooklyn Arena. A plaza that otherwise appeared quite vacant and unattractive was now crowded and filled with people of all kinds, uniting together in the name of Floyd, a loss that had hurt the whole nation. What had been hated over seven years ago, people were now immensely thankful for. Eminent domain, which was upheld by the state government since the Kelo case, had now proved beneficial to the people. 

Resources:

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/16/nyregion/barclays-center-protests.html

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/09/24/arts/design/times-square-grand-central-tour.html