Builders seek role in Mt. Laurel case

Posted at 10:47 AM, Feb. 25, 2006

By ANNA NGUYEN
Courier-Post Staff

MOUNT LAUREL

A national trade group has asked the state Supreme Court if it can intervene on behalf of a private developer in a case that will determine whether a municipality can use eminent domain to acquire property for the purpose of preserving open space and slowing development.

The National Association of Home Builders "urges that a balance is struck between the preservation of open space and the protection of private property rights," said Blake Smith, a spokesman for the group.

The township in 2002 condemned a vacant 16-acre High Pointe tract owned by Mi-Pro Homes LLC at Hainesport-Mount Laurel Road and Elbo Lane.

The township wants to turn the land into a park, Mayor Peter McCaffrey said.

The developer already had obtained planning board approval to build 23 homes and started construction for utilities.

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