Property Rights
As we discuss future planning for specific areas, including the Baseline corridor and Gilbert corridor north of the downtown, the process will involve working with many stakeholders with various interests. Property rights will be a very important consideration. The concept of property right is a significant principle in what is frequently called our “bundle of rights” that we enjoy as citizens. The constitution indicates that private property shall not be taken for public use without just compensation. During my career in public land use planning I have always tried to weigh the importance of preserving a right to use property with what can amount to a taking for public use through zoning and other land use regulations. I have never been a proponent of unfair and burdensome requirements that severely restrict a person’s right to use property in their best interest. For me, the role of government is to reasonably balance the interest of the community with the desires of an owner to use his property for his benefit. Protecting property right extends to all persons, including those who expect neighboring properties to at least support, if not enhance, their own property value. As such, the process of developing property is a delicate balance between the interest of the owner, adjoining owners (who may be subject to an inadvertent taking if irresponsible development occurs) and the community as a whole. I have always valued the importance of considering the property right of each stakeholder in the land use planning process