The City of Brentwood is facing a lawsuit from small businesses along Manchester Road, as the city has declared their properties as blighted in order to proceed with eminent domain for a $436 million redevelopment plan. Among the affected businesses is Time for Dinner, a family-owned business that has been serving the community for 20 years.
Amy Stanford, the owner of Time for Dinner, expressed her concerns about the potential loss of their location and the impact it would have on their loyal customers. The Institute for Justice is representing Time for Dinner and two other small business owners in the lawsuit, arguing that the city lacks substantial evidence to justify the blight designation.
While the city cites issues such as the need for paint, cracks in parking lots, and damaged trash facilities as reasons for blight, the business owners believe this is an overreaction. Missouri law allows for an entire area to be deemed blighted if a majority of properties show signs of deterioration, as is the case with the 75 parcels of land along Manchester Road.
In addition to the legal battle over eminent domain, there is also a dispute regarding the city’s redevelopment plan, which includes a three-story office building, a hotel, and a multi-family structure. The Institute for Justice argues that using eminent domain solely for economic development is illegal under Missouri law.
City officials have defended their decision, stating that blight can spread quickly and detract from the overall vibrancy of the area. While the lawsuit is ongoing, the city is committed to moving forward with the redevelopment program to benefit the community as a whole.
The case highlights the complex issues surrounding urban development and property rights, as well as the challenges faced by small businesses in the face of government-led initiatives. As the legal battle continues, the future of Time for Dinner and other affected businesses remains uncertain, with the outcome potentially shaping the landscape of Brentwood for years to come.
