Eminent domain authority isn't always a bad thing

Photograph of J. Seward Johnson, Jr.'s "The Awakening" located Hains Point, Washington D.C. Photographer: Ryan Sandridge.

Re "Grand Vision for National Harbor Takes Form," subtitled "Moving 'The Awakening' Sculpture Is Just the Start for $2 Billion Venture" from the Post.

1. I think this is a perfect metaphor for how suburban developers continue to screw the center cities, in this case Washington, which gets screwed twice as (1) National Harbor and the Gaylord Hotel get conferences and convention business at the expense of DC; and (2) as we lose this sculpture.

2. On the other hand, the loss of the "Gross Clinic" Eakins painting in Philadelphia was countered by many strategies including the possible seizure of the painting through the eminent domain power of the City of Philadelphia. Although they didn't end up having to use it.

3. Of course, this is another example of how screwy National Park Service policies can lead to bad consequences for park users. From the Post article:

"The Awakening" has been part of the Washington landscape for so long that it is widely considered public property. Artist J. Seward Johnson installed it at Hains Point in 1980 as part of an international sculpture conference. He had wanted to donate it, but the National Park Service could not accept site-specific art gifts, according to Paula Stoeke, director of the Sculpture Foundation, which ultimately took title to the piece and maintained it. "The piece has enjoyed such an affectionate relationship with the community and visitors to Washington over the years," she said.

Peterson is among its many admirers. Several years ago, he saw an item in the paper about the sculpture being for sale. He bought it recently for about $750,000, signing a confidentiality agreement with the foundation not to disclose the purchase. It is unclear what, if anything, may take its place on Hains Point.... Moving the sculpture away from the District could create a stir, Peterson realizes. That's exactly what he's looking for.

Also see this entry, The Awakening being dug up by "visionary developer" for sake of "controversy", from the White Knuckled Wanderer blog. He reminds me of an old entry of mine sort of about this broad subject, "(Why aren't people) Learning from Jane Jacobs."