NORTH ARLINGTON BOARD OF EDUCATION CONSIDERING POSSIBLE ACQUISITION OF QP’S LA SALLE CENTER VIA EMINANT DOMAIN SEIZURE!
NORTH ARLINGTON – According to the Kearny Observer, the North Arlington Board of Education is planning to acquire via the process of eminent domain seizure the La Salle Center currently operated by Queen of Peace RC Church and the Archdiocese Of Newark.
Apparently, the Board of Education has been contacted for comment, specifically, the Superintendent of Schools and longtime trustee, President George McDermott.
No official statement or press release of the BOE’s intentions has been confirmed or denied at this time.
But apparently an announcement was made at all masses this weekend to parishioners in attendance by QP Pastor Anthony DiStefano, on behalf of the Archdiocese. 
Eminent domain refers to the power of the government to take private property and convert it into public use , referred to as a taking. The Fifth Amendment provides that the government may only exercise this power if they provide just compensation to the property owners.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown of the process of eminent domain seizure:
1. Identification and Notification:
The government identifies the property needed for a public project or purpose.
Property owners are formally notified of the government’s intent to acquire their land.
2. Valuation:
Appraisers are hired to determine the fair market value of the property.
This valuation is crucial for determining just compensation.
3. Negotiation:
The government makes an offer to purchase the property based on the appraised value.
If the owner accepts the offer, the property is transferred, and the process is complete.
If the owner rejects the offer, the government may initiate condemnation proceedings.
4. Condemnation Proceedings (if negotiation fails):
The government files a lawsuit to legally seize the property.
The property owner has the right to challenge the taking in court.
A court hearing is held to determine if the taking is for a public use and if just compensation is being offered.
The court may order an independent appraisal and determine the fair market value of the property.
5. Compensation and Transfer:
If the court rules in favor of the government, it must pay the determined “just compensation” to the property owner.
Once the compensation is paid, the property is transferred to the government.
North Arlington has had eminent domain inquiries in the past, when the controversial Arlington Valley housing project proposed by Encap considered eminent domain proceedings against several businesses located on Porete Avenue. The project eventually collapsed, and the state withdrew all funding considerations and support.
NA Today will report any new information on this story as it becomes available.