Las Cruces City Councilor Ken Miyagishima is using what is to many a dirty phrase – eminent domain – but to others could be welcome if it means saving some green space at the Las Cruces County Club’s current location.
The country club’s members voted last week to swap the land with a developer who plans to build a massive suburb on the east mesa, where the new country club will be built. The developer, Philip Philippou , plans condominiums, businesses and other buildings on the country club’s current location, a 110-acre plot that was once in a fairly rural area but is now surrounded by homes and businesses.
Miyagishima says he’ll fight that, even if it means resorting to the controversial tactic. Several states are considering proposals to limit eminent domain.
Miyagishima first made his comments last week on the Michael Swickard Show, then again Monday at the city council meeting.
According to KVIA, Mayor Bill Mattiace said he won’t allow the use of eminent domain, and insists that compromise is the only solution.