Private corporations that do not sell gas directly to the public for compensation are not public utilities and, therefore, are not permitted to exercise the powers of eminent domain.
Robinson Twp. v. Commonwealth, 623 Pa. 564 (Pa 2013).
Robinson Twp. v. Commonwealth, 637 Pa. 239 (Pa. 2016)
A jury verdict concerning fair market value of property subject to a de facto taking will be upheld as based on substantial evidence where the jury views the property and its valuation is within the range of expert appraisals during trial, and a landowner is properly awarded interest, delay damages and attorneys’ fees.
In re: DeFacto Condemnation and Taking of Lands of WBF Associates, L.P., 972 A.2d 576 (Pa. Commw. 2009).
A government entity cannot take property through eminent domain under the Urban Redevelopment Law for purely economic development unless there is evidence demonstrating it is blighted.
In re: Condemnation by the Redevelopment Authority of Lawrence County, 962 A.2d 1257 (Pa. Commw. 2008).
A municipal authority’s exercise of its eminent domain power was set aside when the land taken was in excess of that which was reasonably required to serve the public purpose.
In Re: Condemnation by the Beaver Falls Municipal Authority, 960 A.2d 933 (2008).
A municipality satisfies the security requirements of the Eminent Domain Code when the security is readily accessible and is sufficient to satisfy the condemnation damages.
York City Redevelopment Authority v. Ohio Blenders, Inc., 956 A.2d 1052 (Pa. Cmwlth. 2008).
A Borough does not have the authority to take public land or property.
In re: Condemnation by the Borough of Hanover of Land and Interests in Land Owned by Hanover Public School District , 950 A.2d 373 (Pa. Commw. Ct. 2008).
An otherwise proper taking does not lose its public character merely because a redeveloper may profit from the taking.
In Re: Condemnation of Land for the South East Central Business District Redevelopment Area #1, 946 A.2d 1143 (Pa. Cmwlth. 2008).
An easement not intended for or used by the public cannot be partially condemned for public purposes as a street.
Borough of Duncansville v. Beard, 919 A.2d 327 (Pa. Cmwlth. 2007).
Second Class Townships are authorized to condemn property under the Second-Class Township Code, 23 Pa. Stat. Ann. § 67201, for any legitimate recreational purpose. However, where the fundamental purpose of a taking is not found to be recreational, the taking is invalid.
Middletown Twp. v Lands of Stone,
882 A.2d 1066 (Pa. Cmwlth. 2005), app. granted.
Reversed by: Middletown Twp. v. Lands of Stone, 939 A.2d 331 (Pa. 2007)
Applicant for validity variance need not prove all elements of a variance, but must prove zoning ordinance is restrictive to the point of confiscation.
Hunt v. Zoning Hearing Bd., 61 A.3d 380 (Pa. Commw. Ct. 2013).