Texas property owners cannot rely on legislative oversight or the political process to protect them from negligent and abusive condemnation practices. The Legislature should require courts to award legal fees to property owners if the final compensation for a condemned property is greater than 10 percent of the initial offer.
Historic Preservation Commissions Tread on Property Rights
John Mark Slack wanted to restore his historic San Marcos home for livability. But San Marcos’ Historic Preservation Commission demanded that in order to get a Certificate of Appropriateness—its stamp of approval—he must replace the roof, siding and doors; broaden the front porch, and add skirting to their specifications. But commissioners didn’t stop there. In...