Must Read NY Times Editorial - H.R. 4772

On 9/29, the New York Times published a blockbuster editorial about an astounding bill before Congress. It's titled the Private Property Rights Implemention Act of 2006. According to the NYT, this Act gives developers the right to head straight to Federal court with zoning challenges, completely bypassing the State courts. Ultimately, local municipalities will be threatened (intimidated? overwhelmed?) with Federal lawsuits by developers when zoning is not to their liking.

Here in Forks, if this ill-named Act were now in place, there would be no Kings Mill (& partners) zoning challenge. In fact, we might not even know about it since it would go right over our local heads and directly to the Federal Court system. At least now, without the Private Property Rights Implementation Act of 2006, we can attend zoning hearings. There, we can see our government officials in action and testify with evidence to support our views. It's part of the democratic process. Heck, we even have our local officials' phone numbers and email addresses to use when we need them.

With this give-away of our rights Act, we would only be able to watch our town crumble into an over-crowded, unsightly, unfriendly mess.

Please contact our Congressman, Charles Dent to express opposition to H.R. 4772, the bill that eliminates local municipalities' rights to zone for the good of the community! It's a quality of life issue for sure.

Dent - Washington DC Office
502 Cannon House Office Building

Washington, DC 20515

phone: 202-225-6411

fax: 202-226-0778

Dent - Lehigh Valley Office

701 West Broad Street, Suite 200

Bethlehem, PA 18018

phone: 610-861-9734

toll-free: 866-861-2624

fax: 610-861-9308

The bill was received in the Senate September 30, 2006:

H.R.4772 Title: To simplify and expedite access to the Federal courts for injured parties whose rights and privileges under the United States Constitution have been deprived by final actions of Federal agencies or other government officials or entities acting under color of State law, and for other purposes.

Sponsor: Rep Chabot, Steve [OH-1] (introduced 2/16/2006) Cosponsors (36)

Related Bills: H.RES.1047, H.RES.1054

Latest Major Action: 9/30/2006 Received in the Senate.

House Reports: 109-658

It's important that Congressman Dent knows how you feel!