The Kelo vs City of New London case involved homeowners in New London, Connecticut who sued the city when it used eminent domain to seize their properties for private development as part of an economic revitalization plan. The homeowners argued this violated the Fifth Amendment's takings clause, which allows eminent domain only for public use. The Connecticut Supreme Court sided with the city, finding the planned development would benefit the local economy. The U.S. Supreme Court also ultimately ruled 5-4 in favor of the city, establishing that economic development qualified as public use for eminent domain purposes.

1. The Kelo Vs City of New London Case: Facts of the Case
What is the Kelo vs City of New London case all about? Do you have any idea? For those,
who live in Connecticut must be well-aware of this case as it created a lot of stir
throughout the city. Well, petitioner Kelo along with few others filed a lawsuit against the
City of New London in the state court.
They stated that the seizure of their property by using eminent domain was the wrong
one. The petitioners wanted to draw the attention of the jury towards the ‘Takings
Clause’ mentioned in the Fifth Amendment. They even wanted to point that by seizing
their property and selling it to private developers doesn’t hint that the property would be
used for public benefit.
The Story Behind
The City of New London used to hold a prosperous future. However, the City started to
face some economic problems. As a result, Naval Undersea Warfare and other industries
closed down. This resulted in a high unemployment rate.
The New London Development Corporation (NLDC) was assigned the task to come up
with a development plan. The City even handed over the power of eminent domain to
NLDC so that they can get hold of the 90-acre land as needed for the development
project. However, some families living in the Fort Trumbull area refused to part their
land.
The case went to the Superior Court initially. A restraining order was issued that
prevented NLDC to procure properties from some parts. As both parties were not
satisfied with the ruling, both knocked on the doors of the Supreme Court.
The Decision of the Supreme Court
In the Kelo Vs City of New London case, the Supreme Court of Connecticut offered its full
support to the City of New London. The Court states that the decision taken by the City
is completely reasonable. Supreme Court even pointed out that the carefully drawn-up
plan for the economic development was for the betterment of the people living in Fort
Trumbull and adjoining areas. Hence, the decision of the City of New London to take the
private properties for public use and also for the city’s economic development can’t be
judged or questioned.
Conclusion
Whether acquiring the private properties of Susette Kelo with few others and selling it for
private development can be referred to as ‘public use’ if one goes by the ‘Takings
Clause’. But the Supreme Court in its judgment said that the taking of the private land is
for the economic development of the area and not for benefiting any individuals.