15 October 2007

Eminent Domain movie from Asbury Park


For those following the eminent domain debate, this should be of particular interest. Filmmaker Christina Eliopoulos has made a documentary about her hometown Asbury Park that looks back while looking forward. She uses historic films footage and images to set the stage for a story about the current use of various public policies in Asbury Park to try to reshape its future. Since Asbury Park has been viewed in recent decades as rough and rundown it is no surprise that they are turning to controversial practices like eminent domain to create new economic directions for the community, but I suspect that the movie will show that these techniques are not always used judiciously.

The history of Asbury Park is incredible, which makes it even sadder that it has seen such sad times. But the processes of change promise to be painful too. Hopefully this film will screen somewhere near you (and me) soon. (Mapped)

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