Comments on: SpaceX offers to buy all nearby property to Boca Chica launchsite

By: Robert Zimmerman

Robert Zimmerman — Thu, 19 Sep 2019 21:02:33 +0000

In reply to Edward. I must remind everyone that SpaceX has not used any government power here in any way. They are merely using hard-nosed negotiating tactics, which might work, but also might backfire. We shall have to wait and see.

By: Edward

Edward — Thu, 19 Sep 2019 20:50:14 +0000

Scott M. wrote: "I’d hate to see a company I admire resort to such tactics." I'd hate to see the country that I admire allow such tactics. The Fifth Amendment disallowed such tactics until a decade, or so, ago when the Supreme Court misinterpreted it to mean that private property could be taken for somebody else's private use. Eminent domain for fun and profit.

By: Scott M.

Scott M. — Thu, 19 Sep 2019 11:08:14 +0000

My understanding is that their property values are a lot less than the surrounding areas, so even if the owners get 3X valuation they’d have a hard time finding a similar home nearby.

And I agree with you, David. Eminent domain is abused as it is, I’d hate to see a company I admire resort to such tactics.

By: David K

David K — Wed, 18 Sep 2019 19:59:14 +0000

While I don’t endorse the practice, invoking eminent domain is something that Trump has advocated before. Aside from the landowners, I don’t know if many people would complain on principle especially if the offer was 3x the valuation. It will be interesting to see how this plays out.