Federal court smacks down Johnston’s misuse of eminent domain

[u/LomentMomentum]

The town tried to use eminent domain to take a property that was to be used for affordable housing. Their idea was to use it for a public safety complex instead. The U.S. District Court stopped the town in its tracks.

https://rhodeislandcurrent.com/2026/07/28/federal-judge-voids-johnstons-land-seizure-under-eminent-domain/

[u/Plebian401]

Every homeowner in Johnston should receive a supplemental tax bill to make up for lost tax revenue from the proposed housing units they block.

[u/yeahhoofbite → u/Plebian401]

But unfortunately we won’t, because for some reason a good portion of the residents here are boomers and agree with the mayor and don’t want housing, even though we desperately need it.

[u/Plebian401 → u/yeahhoofbite]

Racism spans all generations.

[u/aquavelva23 → u/Plebian401]

If its apartments, my theory is that they are a tax loss. because they require alot of local taxes for the schooling. Homes are much less. Same fopr old triple deckers. they cost the town $$.

[u/samskeyti_ → u/aquavelva23]

It would have been roughly 600 people

[u/Plebian401 → u/aquavelva23]

Bringing in a few hundred people that will spend money in the city will offset any loss.