Since its inception, the Texas Public Policy Foundation has emphasized the importance of private property rights, not only as rampart of limited government, but also as the indispensable base of a free market economy as well as the financial success this state has witnessed, thanks to the Texas Model. To that end, the Foundation has conducted repeated inquiries as to quality of Texas’ eminent domain laws, placing special significance on how the government can better thread the needle, which defines the precarious balance between public necessity and individual liberty.
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...