Friday Roundup 8-13-21

A Los Angeles apartment developer is suing the city for losses incurred as a result of the city’s eviction moratorium. He correctly claims that the moratorium is a “taking” per the Fifth Amendment and compensation is due to him. He is asking for $100 million. Sadly, the courts usually defer to legislators during a crisis, and the lawsuit probably is doomed to fail. And countless landlords will continue to suffer financial devastation.

A program in New York City gives the city the authority to seize private property for unpaid utility bills or delinquent taxes. The purpose of the program was to give the property to developers to eliminate “blight” and create affordable housing. A group of home owners has filed a lawsuit against the city, claiming that nearly 700 homes were seized without proper notification. The lawsuit also claims that the program “unfairly aided gentrification.” The plaintiffs don’t expect their homes back, but they are asking for $1 billion.

The city of Austin recently announced a plan aimed at bringing minorities back to the city. City officials state a combination of racist government policies and gentrification, the goal is to create affordable housing in historically black and brown neighborhoods. Those with ties to a neighborhood will get preferential treatment. The plan is being spearheaded by the Mayor’s Institutional Racism and Systemic Inequities Task Force. While Leftists are patting themselves on the back for being woke, their grand promises are unlikely to be realized. But at least they did something.