New Jersey’s laws allowing government to take land for private redevelopment don’t adequately protect the rights of tenants and property owners, according to a report released last week by the state’s public advocate. The report was commissioned in response to a U.S. Supreme Court ruling last year that gave wide latitude to local governments wanting to use eminent domain their power to seize private property to promote economic development. They report recommended that the laws be changed to: Narrowly tailor the qualifications to designate an area as blighted, which triggers the ability to use eminent domain. Give better notice to tenants and property owners who will be affected. Offer public participation when making the decision to seize a property. Allow property owners to appeal the decision. Fairly compensate homeowners who lose their property to eminent domain. Allow tenants, not just property owners, to participate in the redevelopment process.