The City of Orlando is planning to use eminent domain to seize and demolish the Faith Deliverance Temple on W. Church Street in Parramore, Orlando's historic African-American neighborhood. Members of the family-owned church told local media they're insulted by the city's offer to buy their property. The church has been in the same spot since the early 1980s, but now Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer said the city needs the church's land for the new soccer stadium.
Dyer stated: "We have an obligation to expend taxpayer funds in a responsible manner….Unfortunately it feels as if we have no choice but to initiate the process of acquiring the property by eminent domain."
It is not a responsible use of taxpayer dollars to use eminent domain for gentrification and corporate welfare. This Church in this location serves the people of this community best for the exercise of their religious practices. Eminent domain should never be allowed to suppress, deny, or infringe upon one's ability to practice their religious beliefs. The church serves the public good far more than a soccer stadium. This action also sets bad precedent for use of eminent domain.
Demand Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and the City of Orlando stop using eminent domain to take this local church. Demand the City of Orlando stop using eminent domain for the gentrification of historic Parramore.
Click Here: http://youtu.be/CwsARrXVnns
More on the use of eminent domain by the City of Orlando from WFTV news report: http://www.wftv.com/news/news/local/city-plans-take-church-property-new-soccer-stadium/nczJy/
More from the Community Steeple reporting about the situation in Parramore for minorities: http://communitysteeple.com/spiritual/383-the-city-of-orlando-promotes-black-church-desecration-in-parramore-for-sport.html
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