The City of Rowlett’s (“the City’s”) authority to size private property through eminent domain is strictly limited by the Texas Constitution and Texas law. Nevertheless, the City illegally condemned and seized a private driveway belonging to Petitioner KMS Retail Rowlett, LP F/K/A KMS Retail Huntsville, LP (“KMS”) for the sole benefit of a private developer that sought easier access to its proposed commercial site. Such taking of private property for a non-public use violates the private property protections enshrined in the Texas Constitution and Texas statutes. The Appellate court’s opinion to the contrary in this matter must be reversed.
Cunningham v. City of Austin
Date Filed: March 23, 2026 Original Court: Travis County District Court Case Status: Pending Under Article XI, Section 5 of the Texas Constitution, home rule cities can impose taxes as long as those taxes are authorized by law or by their city charters. The Texas Tax Code requires that local taxes be approved by voters through...