If public servants can condemn private property, can private citizens condemn public property?
On June 11, 2000, three days before the Hanover County Board of Supervisors voted to seize a portion of Newcastle Farm by eminent domain, a band of citizens attempted to illustrate the absurdity of the proposed action by holding proceedings to pass the following:
Resolution to Condemn the County Courthouse
Whereas by law Hanover County's public servants may seize private property, we assert that Hanover County's private citizens may seize public property by right.
Whereas we condemn the prospect of Newcastle Farm being taken against the will of the people, we symbolically condemn the body of government whose intention is that prospect.
Whereas Hanover County need not be as subject to the uncontrolled growth that plagues so many of Richmond's surounding counties, we urge the Board of Supervisors to respect their promises of agricultural protection and to promote the preservation of open space and natural resources.
Whereas Newcastle is an historic landmark that has been reserved for agricultural use by tradition of its stewards and by intention of its current caretakers, we demand that it not be taken by power of eminent domain.
