Sure, school districts can also take property - including your home - under the power of eminent domain. Consider that the next time a school district places on the ballot a bond measure with an open-ended "list" of possible projects.

Was eminent domain used? How was the property assessed? For it's demolition value? Why did the district choose a bidder with so many Exclusions for the demolition?
Web Link Later contract modifications could push the final cost well above the next lower bidder, who had fewer exclusions.

Replying to all of the comments who are excessively complaining about this project..


They tore down a family sized home to make room for 200+ brighter futures.

If the homeowners voluntarily sold their home to the district, then this private transaction is of no concern to anyone. Each side got what it wanted.

This is not a case involving eminent domain where a sale is "forced" by law. In eminent domain, in addition to the obvious valuation issues (ie, what was the property really worth), there is also the issue of weighing the public good. When the public good is building a road or dam, that can be pretty clearly demonstrated. But when it is to build a shopping mall or condominiums with the justification an increased tax base, that is certainly less clear.

As I said, this home sale appears to be a voluntary exchange. Good for both parties!

I confirmed this with Eric Holm. He also answered the question "Why did the district choose a bidder with so many Exclusions for the demolition?"
I am satisfied. Now let's hope the demolition is a class act with minimal disruption to my daily Alameda commute.

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