In a letter sent to Governor M. Jodi Rell and legislative leaders in the General Assembly, state Senator David J. Cappiello, R-Danbury is calling for the consideration of a Special Session to deal with the issue of eminent domain. Stating that he has received numerous phone calls, letters and emails from concerned residents following last week’s Supreme Court ruling that significantly expands government use of eminent domain, Sen. Cappiello believes it is necessary to take immediate action.

Sen. Cappiello is referring to the Supreme Court decision that allows the City of New London to seize individual homes from local residents for the purposes of redeveloping the city’s Fort Trumbull section.

“The recent 5-4 Supreme Court ruling in the Kelo vs. New London case raises very serious concerns for residents of the State of Connecticut. The ruling, which significantly expands government use of eminent domain laws for economic development purposes, threatens the basic right of private property ownership throughout our state,” said Sen. Cappiello in his letter.

According to Sen. Cappiello, eminent domain should be reserved for extreme circumstances as they relate to vital public works projects such as schools, bridges and highways. He said that the ruling could allow any town or city in Connecticut to take property for the purpose of generating more property tax revenue. “That’s very scary. If a municipality believes it could gain more tax revenue by taking homes and turning them into some kind of entertainment complex there is nothing in our law that can prevent them from doing that.”

“The Supreme Court’s narrow ruling jeopardizes the private property rights of all homeowners in our state,” said Sen. Cappiello. “As a legislature one of our greatest responsibilities is to uphold laws that protect the rights of each and every property owner. This ruling undermines the very spirit of our constitution that protects our citizens’ individual rights. I am fearful of the consequences this could bring to our state should we choose not to take action immediately.”