On Monday, Hamilton County Common Pleas Judge Beth Myers ruled that the city of Norwood could take the properties of five home and business owners by eminent domain for a real estate developer to build Rookwood Exchange shopping complex, even though she said the city abused its discretion in designating the properties "blighted." Here are some of your reactions to the ruling:

Judge Beth Myers ruled that developers could take property away from its rightful owners because the neighborhood, while not "blighted," is "deteriorating." The day my house was built it began to deteriorate. How's your house? Is it getting newer?

Why not stop the pretense about seizing property only for a legitimate public purpose? This ruling means that government can now take anyone's property at any time for any reason. Great job, Judge Myers!

Bruce Hassel, Amberley Village

Over the years this residential area hs changed dramatically. Interstate 71 was built causing some streets to be dead ended, Bob Sumerel Tire and Jiffy Lube built businesses, Rookwood Commons was built and Cornerstone is being built. Also residential houses were turned into a neighborhood business district. Over 100 homes nearby were torn down to make way for businesses. These factors along with noise and traffic have dramatically taken away from the residential characteristics of the neighborhood. The proposed development is best for Norwood.

Michael Fulmer, Councilman, City of Norwood

The people of Norwood should be ashamed of their leaders. At the least, they should vote them out for stealing their citizens' property for the Rookwood Exchange. Last I checked the United States of America was not a socialistic society. There is no such tenet as "the greater good." And if they can take these citizens' property, then they can take yours.

Stephen Marks, Oakley

Have a topic you think readers should sound of in this space? Send it to Ray Cooklis at E-mail: rcooklis@enquirer.com.