City Schemes to Bulldoze Family Businesses
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- Опубликовано: 12 дек 2023
- Many of the businesses that line Manchester Road in Brentwood, Missouri have been serving the community for decades. But now, the city is threatening to use its eminent domain power to force these well-loved businesses to close shop so a private developer can make way for new businesses-all in the name of economic development.
ij.org/case/brentwood-blight/
The city claims the entire Manchester Corridor is “blighted,” a convenient label it can use to justify taking property by eminent domain. But these properties are not blighted in any sense of the term.
They are well maintained, and the businesses provide valuable services to customers in the St. Louis area. None of them have received warnings for the condition of their properties.
No business should lose its property just because the government wants to replace it with other, more favored businesses. The owners of a fly-fishing shop, a meal prep business, and a dance studio are now teaming up with the Institute for Justice to challenge the baseless blight designations and the proposed takings.
Expose the mayor’s corruption and get a good person elected. The mayor is getting more than taxes for this crime. Find out how and send them to prison.
Most everyone has been intentionally "placed" in these positions. Research the belt and road initiative.
Much easier said than done. Much much easier said than done
@@wdfktv8555 yes I understand. Don’t be afraid
@@andylifer5302 I don't think you do understand. Your pie in the sky outlook shows you are not living in reality.
@@xerxes8632 your defeatist attitude proves you’re getting what you deserve. Just because something is hard doesn’t mean it’s not worthwhile. You are the voter the corrupt politicians love the most and are counting on.
“ *Show me a man that gets rich by being a politician, and I’ll show you a crook* ” ― Harry Truman
It really makes you wonder how a politician being elected and making less than $400k a year can retire in 10 years and be a multi millionaire?!?!
@@USMC1984insider-trading and tax laws. Everyone knows it but no one says that part out loud because the politicians and their donors on both sides benefit from these laws.
@@dimitrijensk2845 what’s sad is “We the People” allow it.
@@USMC1984 they allow it because deep down they know if those laws were actually enforced, their favorite politician(s) would go to prison.
Whether you support him or not, I think Trump summed it up perfectly when during a debate, Hillary Clinton asked if he benefited from the current tax laws.
“Yes, I absolutely took advantage of the tax laws. But you had years to do something about it and never did. The reason you will never change them is because your donors benefit from the same laws that I did.”
@@dimitrijensk2845 I don't support Trump, and no one should. Only those that are bad as him do so. And, I am 100% sure that quoted text originated from one or more of his earlier, decent attorneys. Of course, a lot of what he learned, especially the bad, comes from his bad father.
Insanity. Whoever partook in the false blighted labeling of the buildings, should be charged criminally. There should be further criminal investigations into every single person involved in this bogus imminent domain seizure.
'We' wish! But, what do you think will happen?
Recent reporting by local media here in St. Louis (Post Dispatch & St. Louis Business Journal) allege that the developer featured in this case, Green Street Real Estate Ventures, is delinquent in paying its own property taxes to the tune of $800,000, and has also faced claims that it hasn't paid vendors for work they completed in numerous projects. While the issue presented in this video is with the city's eminent domain filings, it wouldn't surprise me to find that the developer had some hand in advising that course of action, based on its other documented indiscretions.
Im pretty sure that whatever money they failed to pay in taxes,they paid it in bribes.
Sounds like the business owner graduated from some orange guy's business school.
@@Littlefoot. Ooh, How DARE I have a bias!
@@Littlefoot. Sorry we insulted Orange Jesus by pointing out his shady business practices.
@@ostrich67 What does it have to to with IJs report. You are just as bad as the ones shouting MAGA. You are all literally re*tarded and need to be taken down a notch. This is why we are doomed.
It sounds like the perfect plan! Run unique, local businesses (you know, the thing that helps give us a robust, diverse economy) out of the town and replace them with more canned big box stores.. Kick out folks who employ locally and pay their taxes - and who bring revenue into the area with (presumably) some corporate store who will do everything in their power to extract wealth from the area.
They made a TV show about that. The Dukes of Hazzard 🤣. No really, it's not funny how corrupt some politicians are.
Ironically, this is what many cities want. Why have this local family run diner? It doesn't put us on Google maps! Lets get a McDonalds and a Starbucks, its well known and it will make more people drive through the town, and it will get other developers interested!
It happened to my town.
@@heypistolero The problem is, it's supposed to be unconstitutional. The people are not supposed to be subjected to the government taking your cash, and property. There are no laws in the USA anymore. The USA is an authoritarian banana republic, it just masquerades as a free society.
My town won't let any corporate business in the middle of the town.
@@heypistolero Not cities where people are moving to.
Sometimes people turn this premise around, and use a Bulldozer against the city.
"Sometimes reasonable men must do unreasonable things"
❤
This city obviously doesn’t know who Marvin Heemeyer was.
@@rayedgar2415KillDozer FTW 💚
The site where the Kelo case occurred, in New London , Connecticut, is still a barren area. The new “better” development never happened. That entire neighborhood was bulldozed for no reason after forcing all of those residents out.
The only house remaining four years ago was the house in the lawsuit. The whole thing is and was such a travesty for the country.
When the court supported the "eminent domain" argument , I remember being shocked and appalled by that decision. Although the Institute for Justice should , in my opinion, never have needed to do it, I am so glad to hear that IJ has gotten state legislatures to better define eminent domain statutes.
@@tracyd99The entire Ft Trumbull neighborhood was bulldozed.
Susette Kelo's house was moved by the city into New London, but she never came back
Pfizer fled New London and consolidated its labs on the other side of the river (Groton) when their tax break sunsetted back in the oughts.
Developer corporations have 50 year plans and billion dollar budgets. They out live people. They don't care if a development does not happen this decade. They don't care if development does not happen next decade because they just replace staff and the plan will move forward when the economy and other factors are ready.
@@GO-xs8pjperhaps they will be waiting longer than they expected. The reason they wanted this tract of land is that it is next door to a Pfizer facility. Pfizer has since moved out and consolidated the operations in Rhode Island.
There was nothing "blighted" about those businesses. Shame on the city leaders!
what does blighted mean
@bonenbeans It means in poor condition, basically. Not safe for public admittance.
@@jeffcourtney8101 thanks
System curated/ created
Maui Strong All Day Long!
This is what they do. Replace small businesses with the big brands like Targets. They’re never here to help.
In my neck of the woods Target cut down a big area of trees to put in a Super Target. Then they closed it two years later because it was a stupid location, and now it's just empty and all those trees will never come back.
@@stuffbenlikes I am surprised - both of - you did not mention Walmart.
Eminent domain needs to be repealed off of every book and state its allowed. My Grandfather lost his 250K acre ranch so they could build a dam. He was paid pennies on the dollar for his ranch. $90K for a Ranch that had multimillion dollar offers from other ranchers.
I live in St. Louis. I know for a fact that many people patronize Brentwood for these unique shops. Removing these family owned businesses and putting anything else in removes not only the charming character but the soul of Brentwood. These businesses should not be punished but highlighted and show the true importance of their role in the community.
Citizens, check up on what your local government entities have been voting on, even as low as city council members can vote to increase their wages/benefits and retirement packages. Legally nothing to do about it later when they're bragging to their golfing buddies.
I've been privi to this . Listen in on how they're gonna squeeze this town dry. Gold mine, easy pickin's. Gonna take these uneducated backwoods hillbillies for all they're worth and move on to the next town. I mean why would they stay there..? Taxes are too high.🤣
The buildings shown are perfectly charming and well kept. Look at who got paid and you'll have your answer.
Maui Strong All Day Long!
Unfortunately, the U.S. Supreme Court gutted federal protection against unconstitutional eminent domain when it handed down its decision in Kelo v. New London in 2005. By a vote of 5-4, the Supreme Court dramatically expanded the definition of “public use” to include private economic development. In other words, local governments can condemn homes and businesses and transfer them to new owners if government officials think that the new owners will produce more taxes or jobs with the land.
As Justice Sandra Day O’Connor warned in her dissent: “The specter of condemnation hangs over all property. Nothing is to prevent the State from replacing any Motel 6 with a Ritz-Carlton, any home with a shopping mall, or any farm with a factory.” - IJ
Maui Strong All Day Long!
She was a relative never heard her dissent
“Your businesses are cute but we need more tax money!! Let’s make things up so you can get outta here! You had a leak in your roof in 1997, so your building is no good now, somehow.”
Tax the bloody corporations!
How come no one mentions that those are peaceful people being threatened with violence by politicians to force them off their property?
at some point the individuals that abuse these processes need to be held personally liable, rather than exposing the community to their liability.
Good luck to those small businesses! You are in good hands with IJ!
Something like this happened to my husband’s family in the 1970’s with urban redevelopment. They took the property my husband’s grandfather owned and ran a chicken market out of since the 1940’s.
It's always about the money. Follow the money, and you'll find the greed.
This is why the people weld steel plates to bulldozers and destroy towns.
This is what they do. Get rid of small family owned businesses for big box stores like Walmart and target to gain more revenue for the towns.
They aren't going to put up Walmart or Target. These are going to be high end boutique shops. Things and shops that the people that frequent these shops, and love their main street hometown feel won't patronize. These city managers, council, and mayor want more money, and to attract valueless wealthy young people.
@@warlord8954why would they bring high end stores that won’t attract many people? They’re going to definitely go for the big box stores.
@@TRC296 Big box stores are fine in the outskirts of town, doesn't make sense to put them on main street. The city can have their cake and eat it too.
@@GROGU123they’re not going to replace them with high end boutique shops tho. That makes no sense. You’re going to get big chains that will attract more people, not more small businesses.
@@TRC296I agree. They’re going to replace these places with chains, like Ross, TJ maxx, Chipotle, Panera, etc.
Thank you, IJ, for having a deep seated sense of justice, and for helping the little guy against big government who has no boundaries, nor conscience.
The not-for-profit work you do is amazing. First learned about you through Lehto's Law on youtube.
Plan on supporting your work as I am able, since you are pro bono.....just amazing what you are accomplishing....blessed by God!!!
"Do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with thy God." Micah 6:8 5:47
I also heard about IJ from Steve. I donated this year and will again in 2024. If you’re reading this comment, please also consider donating. Liking the video and commenting on it will improve the RUclips algorithm and make more people aware, but IJ still needs funding to do their great work. Even a little bit helps.
I knew about it, but never donated until Lehto told me how to donate through amazon purchases. Last season I donated all xmas gift card $ to them.
They do this all the time. Especially if the city knows your business is just floating by. They love putting in the big box shopping centers. Way more foot traffic
"We're from the government, and we're here to help ... "
BOHICA
I would bet that some politicians got their hand greased to do this. Follow the money. Thanks IJ for taking this on.
If these crooked developers had to buy new bulldozers, backhoes, etc. every day . . . .
and a new house and cars
The ladies' shop and the whole strip mall looks very nice and modern. Their shop is beautiful on the inside. If these properties were truly blighted then they should have a list a mile long of the code violations that they have committed. Shame on the city leader of Brentwood.
And we thought this only happened in big cities. Corporations and corrupt politicians are also joining forces in small towns. Greed knows no bounds.
Maui Strong!...
Are you kidding? Small towns in conservative states are notorious for corruption. Always have been.
I really hope the institute for justice can get another case like Kelo versus New London before The Supreme Court. That case was a travesty that severely needs to be redressed
I remember learning about emanate domains in the late 80's in 3rd grade. I thought it was unfair then & I still think it's unfair.
This happened in Colorado on June 4, 2004...
Literally my first thought
"Most of the great problems we face are caused by politicians, bureaucrats, financiers, bankers, and kindred; creating solutions to problems they created in the first place." - Walter E. Williams
Is it me, or is governments like this begging for acts of revenge? You'd think someone would consider the question
"What if i destroy everything he worked for, screwed him over, and he wants to return the favor?"
As long as eminent domain exists, private property rights do not.
Bullshit. The infrastructure you enjoy... Would not exist without eminent domain. It has a valid purpose.
Nonsense. Without eminent domain there could be no public roads, freeways, schools, municipal buildings, etc. Don't throw out the baby with the bath water. It is the abuse of eminent domain as described in this video, to seize properties (which must be acquired at fair market value), for non-public uses which must be curbed.
@@avsystem3142 ALL of that infrastructure could be built without forcing someone to sell their property. No one has a right to decide upon the selling price of a property other than the owner. I have properties that I would be willing to sell below market value and I have one that Elon Musk can't afford to buy.
Eminent Domain is just one step below civil asset forfeiture on the list of bullshit We allow government to do. Many of Us are beyond tired of government overreach. Hopefully something can be done through elections and new legislation. Otherwise our future will be very rough for a while.
clearly that dirt road in front of these business ........ clown @@avsystem3142
Eminent domain is nothing more than an excuse for government to take land far below a fair value. Ever notice how they only ever consider their own "appraisals?" Funny how it's always the seller that sets the price literally anywhere else.
Very proud to say Institute for Justice is one of only two places I have ever donated to. Worth Every penny!
Bernie was my other.
The community has said for years, no one understands til it knocks on your door. Wrong is wrong no matter the color or status no one should live with this type of tyranny
Designating these properties as blighted is a huge slur on the owners.
This is why it is SO vital to stay on top of the city leadership i.e. city council or the like.
"I'm from the government and I'm here to help". Right, go ahead and trust the government and the people in government to do the right thing. You'll lose every single time and you won't learn until that government that you trusted betrayed and ruined you. The government, whether local, state, or federal doesn't care about people. They care about money, policy, and power. You're nothing more than a faceless obstacle to what they want.
I think they need to be removed from Office by “eminent domain” !!
Those bureaucrats need to walk the plank!
Indeed! Make tar & feathering a thing again.
In MO that might be hard. But I bet they have nice strong trees...
@@Inquisitor6321 MTFGA (Make Tar & Feathering Great Again)
That portion of Manchester Rd. was recently widened. The city previously attempted to use that as an excuse to take these properties to build sidewalks ( where nobody walks ).
But, but, but those sidewalks are for..... sAfTey.
There's power in numbers people! Stand together and utilize your second amendment right.
gas lit half wit
Now, now😂 Relax❤
I'm intrigued on the Meals to go business. I believe I will see if I can support these businesses as they are fairly local. so disgusting that cities are even thinking of doing this
Guaranteed these corrupt politicians took money from the developers
People need to pay attention to whom they are voting for local office.
The people running that town need to be voted out.
It will do you no good sir capitalism died 158 years ago in this country you live under cronyism corporations are the law of the land and they rule this country because they own are politicians they own are courts you cannot defeat Tyranny in a Court room or a ballot box
At the heart of this is a heartless individual that corrupted the city officials. It's just money, and that individual person or business could not care less about the people stepped on to make another buck.
Get your own bulldozer and start welding.
do you work for the FBI or something what's your problem
I am looking forward in hearing you win this battle. I am so happy these small business owners have you on their side. Wish you many blessings. And I am proud to stand by you with my small monthly support to IJ. Glad to apart of this. 😊
My wife and I have been Customers of Time for Dinner for many years and Love their Meals. Eminent Domain is Widely Abused around the Entire US. Stop it. 👎
Pretty much anyone can rent a bulldozer for a day. What's that Mayor's home address again?
Go IJ, thank you.
My dad always said, "The purpose of government is to put small business out of business".
" *If you sell your soul to get ahead it will cost more than you bargained for* " ― Carlos Wallace
“Truth just looks crazy to people, who haven't seen it yet.”
Amazing. In a day where so many are mooching off the government, these folks are working hard to carry their own weight which in turn helps carry others. Yet a greedy mayor wants to take that away from them and most likely make them dependent on some big developer. Just wrong.
The New London CT project was never done due to loss of interest after the lengthy battle.
We have allowed big business to run the country
FOIA the emails from everyone on the city council, mayor, city manager, city attorney. Vote them all out and have state bar look into the attorney.
Need to start locking city officials that try this in prison
I love IJ. These people are doing God's work.
Go get em IJ!
I think the city government is blighted.
Besides the legal way through the courts...its time we the people shame their city government. Write to the law makers asking them why they want to hurt good businesses.
Criminal. This needs to be punished harshly to prevent this type of abuse in future. Thank you #IJ
Those corrupt representatives in the city need to be sued, and charged for corruption.
According to this July 2023 story, the company abusing eminent domain ALSO gets property tax breaks... taxes the current owners are paying.
These are the issues Americans should be uniting to stand against......
MSM & Politicians know what theyre doing.
The Supreme Court made a mistake, and this is a good case to rectify it.
Thank you for supporting the citizens who were wronged by corrupt government politicians
And they wonder why Marvin Heemeyer used a bulldozer to destroy Granby Colorado!
Props to you for defending these people. This is pure greed from a city that already has more money that it knows what to do with. Brentwood is a very wealthy place, this is pure greed and none of us here in Missouri would ever approve of what they're doing to these people. Its obvious public officials are getting serious kickbacks, this is an absolute fraud, prosecute!
Thanks for helping these people whose livelihood is being threatened. ❤️ Institute for justice ⚖️.
Cities in other states have "condemned" or seized by eminent domain, buildings that were operational and in some cases on the historic register to let "developers" build new concerns. In the case of Eau Claire, WI, historic houses and shops were demolished to build an ugly (repulsively ugly) set of buildings that have yet to be economically viable. In La Crosse, WI. an historic (and usable) brewery was demolished for a parking lot.
I'm sorry, but this is happening like crazy in Indiana right now. Especially in Fort Wayne. What protections does Indiana have against this?
They take your property then as a last act of retribution you take theirs. When they are staring at a pile of rubble that use to be their property I'll bet they will realize that stealing others property is a bad idea and can have unpleasant repercussions.
People don’t need to wonder why the federal government is so corrupt; look at the citizens. We can’t have corrupt bureaucrats and politicians unless we have corruptible citizens who take up those positions. Look at HOAs. Even the best are exemplars of corruption, even if not financial.
Every individual should vigorously inspect his/her own moral life, deeply. Know thyself. Thank you, IJ, for knowing the law and having such a strong desire to see justice everywhere. Truly the greatest dragon slaying organization in the world.
The biggest red flag for me here is that one is a food business. If it has passed inspection and licensed in order to do Food business it cannot by definition be blighted. What a scam. Someone is getting kickbacks somewhere.
Corporate greed, period. The authorities are currupt beyond measure, now retribution Will emerge.
Eminent domain shouldn't even exist, but if it does, the law should require something like three times value of compensation to insure it's only used in extreme cases.
Are country has turned into a nation of greed. It’s truly disgraceful
Thank you for this. I saw this happen in my own suburb, it was heart-wrenching to see people's homes and businesses taken from them just so a big corporate headquarters could take the land.
They don't want another building.. they want an improved lot to charge more tax.
Perfect example of corrupt government. I hope you win this lawsuit for all the people of America
When the government does this the people in charge should be out of charge...or deleted
Sooo, Green Street is the "major developer". Let's look them up.
"After seeing how weak these people look, sound, and behave, I can see how the city had no problem violating their oaths of office in order to profit for themselves. You have the constitution and the bill of rights, you have the ability to arrest treasonous gov, tribunal them, and be free. You have no spine. They will do as they please as criminals." A federalist.
Eminent domain needs to be only for use of important public projects! It is appalling that the Supreme Court made such a ruling! Greedy Corporations and People are ruining this Country.
IJ IS DOING SUCH GOOD WORK!!!
What if a resident, homeowner, took pictures of their(the council) homes and stated that all these homes are in similar condition as those “blighted homes”, so we ordered them bulldozed.
Blighted = wanting property and not wanting to pay fair market value for it!!!
Governments need to stop wasting tax payer money and handing us the bills for their abusive decisions. Fight fight fight.
Does the city want a Killdozer? Because this is how you get a Killdozer.
Immanent domain is out of control everywhere! We need reform at every level.
What cities usually do is hold a one time 'public' meeting to object to it. Then just don't bother tell anyone until after its over.
Thanks for the hard work IJ!
You guys deserve all the financial help necessary to help these unscrupulous developers...
We are fighting a similar case in Oregon.
Thank you Institute for Justice!!
I am a Missourian and i am so sorey for what you all are going through. May God enlarge your borders and enrich your blessings in Jesus name.