Eminent domain for its intended purpose?

From Sunnyside Post:

Jimmy Van Bramer has not given up on his plan to purchase a piece of Woodside land and convert it into a neighborhood park.

The city Parks Department, at the request of Van Bramer, has been trying to buy the property from its owner Vinny Oppedisano for the past year without success. The property, known as the Woodside Triangle, is located at the intersection of 59th and 60th streets and 34th Ave., and had been used as a de facto park by nearby residents for decades. However, Oppedisano cleared the site last year for construction purposes.

Earlier this month, it was reported that the city’s Parks Department had finally abandoned negotiating with him as the parties couldn’t agree on a price.

However, on Thursday, Van Bramer said he plans to bring the Parks Department and Oppedisano to the bargaining table one last time to see if something can be hammered out. “If it doesn’t come together, we will pursue all options.”

In a February interview, Van Bramer said that his office has had some preliminary discussions about getting the property via eminent domain and it is something he will continue to look into.

Taking property from a developer for public use is no longer considered to be a legitimate use of eminent domain. But taking property from a private entity to give to a developer - now we're talking. Good luck with this effort.