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Agency to take back New London eviction notices

(New London-WTNH, Sept. 16, 2005 Updated 6:25 PM) _ Some homeowners in New London will stay in their homes while the state debates eminent domain laws. The New London Development Corporation is backing off on eviction notices it sent to homeowners in the Fort Trumbull neighborhood.

* by Chief Capitol Correspondent Mark Davis

Because of those notices, there's been another call for a mandatory, state-wide, moratorium on eminent domain and a call for the dismissal of the New London Redevelopment Corporation.

Without stepping foot in New London, Gov. Rell sent a very clear message to the New London Development Corporation. It was delivered by her state development commissioner, James Abromaitis.

"Certainly the Governor is more than displeased with what's been going on and certainly the letter that they sent, unbeknownst to everybody, was pretty near the straw that broke the camel's back," Abromaitis said.

"The wolves are at our door and we're asking for support really and that's clearly what it is -- the wolves are at our door," New London homeowner Susette Kelo said.

Several of the five Fort Trumbull homeowners who got the eviction letters are hoping their city leaders feel as they do, that the New London Development Corporation can't be trusted.

"Come Monday night there is a city council meeting and we're all hoping that the city council basically become accountable for NLDC's actions and fire them," says Michael Cristofaro.

The homeowners joined Republican state lawmakers at the capitol in calling for an immediate special session on the issue.

"We want the moratorium to be mandatory and binding and to include the homeowners in New London," says Rep. Bob Ward, R-Minority Leader.

"Eleven states have changed their eminent domain laws since the U.S. Supreme Court ruled. Why not Connecticut?"

All the Republicans seem to be on board. Democratic Speaker of the House Rep. James Amann issued a statement saying he respected Ward's passion on the issue, but two committees are already exploring the topic.

We had no trouble finding Democrats ready to sign on.

"Absolutely, I think that's first order of business," says Rep. Steven Mikutel, D-Griswold. "I think we've delayed this for too long."

"If they circulate a petition I'd sign because this is such a critical issue," says Sen. Edith Prague, D-Columbia.

The Democratic leader in the Senate, Sen. Don Williams, has yet to comment on the Republican call for a special session on eminent domain.

It takes the signatures of 76 state reps and 19 state senators to call a special session. Republicans don't have enough members to do this alone.