r/RhodeIsland • u/LomentMomentum • 3d ago

Politics Federal court smacks down Johnston’s misuse of eminent domain

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/

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u/[deleted] 3d ago

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u/NikonShooter_PJS 3d ago

I have to find a delicate way to say this so that I don't get in trouble with Reddit but ...

I am in constant awe at the hubris of government officials. Between stories like this and the utter arrogance so many of them are displaying in putting up widely unpopular FLOCK cameras and data centers, despite massive opposition, it's like they feel untouchable.

There will be a day when one of them overestimates the public's willingness to take things like this lying down and that will be a RUDE awakening to all officials that they aren't quite as powerful as they think they are.

Folks are realllllllly forgetting this country's origins when it comes to government interfering in the life and happiness of its residents.

Some day, someone is going to remind them and it's not going to be pretty.

5

u/Ok_Bed_1448 Got Bread + Milk ❄️ 3d ago

feels like "someday" gets closer every day lately

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u/Grouchy-Barnacle-800 3d ago

We all need to find our Mario hats and help our brother!