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State Representatives Don Manning and Steve Hambley have introduced legislation to restrict the use of eminent domain by un-elected government entities for recreational trails.
Manning previously said he would introduce legislation that would outlaw taking of property by eminent domain, specifically for a bike trail submitted by Mill Creek MetroParks.
“Across the state, we are seeing our constituents caught in lengthy and expensive legal battles to protect their property from government overreach for the purpose of building recreational trails,” said Representative Manning.
Representative Hambley added, “Our legislation will give our constituents an option outside of the court system. This bill will allow individuals facing eminent domain by an un-elected government entity to ask their local legislative authority to veto the use of eminent domain.”
HB 476 is currently awaiting a committee assignment.
Property and farm owners near the proposed bike trail said that the bike trail would cut off the source of water for their cows and bulls and therefore cut off their income.
Manning said he is not against bike trails, but he is against cutting off access to horse trails and family farmland.
"For people who live in Boardman, Poland or Canfield, if we allow this land grab to go on over and over again unchecked, it can happen anywhere," said Manning.
There are lawsuits filed against Mill Creek MetroParks regarding this issue.