Eminent domain will be used only as a “last resort” if people on Wiedemann Hill refuse to sell their land to a private developer, Newport officials say.

        Residents of Norwood heard the same thing when Rookwood Commons was proposed.

        The shopping center at Smith Road and Interstate 71 took out about 38 homes when it was built in 1999. In the end, court action by the city wasn't necessary, because all the residents reached private agreements with the developer.

        Bev Pierani, who lived on Edmondson Road most of her life, says she didn't want to leave her home but felt she had no choice. The underlying message was, “Don't even try to fight it, because we'll take it by eminent domain.”

        “I hired a lawyer,” Ms. Pierani says. “Basically, he said, "Everyone is subject to eminent domain.' If Procter & Gamble comes in and says to the city, "I want that parcel of land,' Procter & Gamble is going to get it.”

        Norwood and surrounding areas have since become hot territory for developers. East of I-71, near Marburg and Ridge Avenues, Vandercar Holdings is building a Meijer, Sam's Club and Target on the former Milacron industrial site.

        So far, the company has purchased additional property from willing sellers, but if eminent domain becomes necessary, the city of Cincinnati has the ability to use it.

        Vandercar officials declined to comment on their plans.

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