Miss Charlotte I have to disagree with you. The goverment shouldn't be able to just come in and take someone property. What if it was yours, would you be saying yes. Thank how you would feel in that person place.

I keep readings people's idea of low balling the lands worth. When he bought the property it didn't have commercial zoning. Now it does. I thought the zoning change had to come from the city not the state. So the city changed the zoning all around this property and it's my understanding that spot zoning is ilegal. Of course they'll ask a fortune for it. Think of the revenues that property will generate in ten years.

The whole idea of Emminent Domain is for government to be able to acquire property for public usage, albeit a fair marketable price. If this had been for a private developer, no. But ODU being a public university, yes.

Clear cut and dry -- absolutley insane - This property owner deserves to keep his house and sell for whatever he wants and buyer willing to pay. We need less government in our lives. Who's house will be next?

Mr. Boone knew exactly what was going on with the area and probably learned it from (I don't have to mention who), bought the house and has done nothing with it and waiting.....he's exactly where he wants to be, using the property to his benefit, I can't believe that in addition to his ridiculous price he wants a free college tuition for his kid.... sounds like a crook to me.

Nothing more needs to be said.

This is not abandoned property, its just the case of absentee landlord.

The Poll Question, 'Should Norfolk Use Eminent Domain To Clear Abandoned Houses For ODU's Expansion' was misleading and if I had not read the entire story, I would have voted 'Yes'. Reading the entire story made it quite clear to me that there's only 'ONE' abandoned house, a restaurant open for business and two buildings being used for storage. Just who does ODU think they are anyway? People have rights and ODU acts like it's okay to just run roughshod over whoever, to get what they want.
ODU started this project, pushing ahead as though it was all a done deal . . . . clearing the area as though it's already their's, without any consideration or concern for the people involved. What an attitude! What about the restaurant? This is someone's livelihood. This is someones house. Have a little bit of empathy. I voted NO and I hope you don't get it! Do without or work around it! ! !

I believe in absolute property rights in America. The law should read i.e., "if the government wants to force purchase a structure/land owned by someone else, it should be required to pay 10 time the average appraised value for ten year period prior to its filing to take custody of said structure/land." We are not YET a socialist state. . .

If the houses are abandoned, the answer is YES.