Eminent Domain

Federal Court Slaps Down Rhode Island Town's Surprise Seizure of Family's Land

A district court ruled that Johnston, Rhode Island, can't use its own bespoke eminent domain process to block an affordable housing development.

Christian Britschgi | 7.29.2026 3:00 PM

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A federal court has slapped down an attempt by the town of Johnston, Rhode Island, to use eminent domain to seize a vacant lot slated for affordable housing development. 

"When a municipality elects to invoke the power of eminent domain, it must proceed in the manner prescribed by law, and the Town did not do so here," wrote Melissa R. DuBose, a judge for the U.S District Court for the District of Rhode Island. 

The property in question is a 31-acre site owned by several members of the Santoro family, through their company SCLS Realty, LLC. 

In late 2024, the family of developers approached Johnston officials about their plans to develop the property into a 254-unit housing project. 

The proposal received........

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