Va. votes to limit eminent domain

RICHMOND, Va. (AP/WAVY) - Virginia voters decided Tuesday to limit government's powers to take private property through eminent domain.

Question 1 on the ballot Tuesday amended the state Constitution to ensure that private property is taken only for a true "public use" and not given to another private landowner such as a developer. It also compensates businesses for lost profits.

The amendment is part of a national groundswell that followed a U.S. Supreme Court decision in 2005 allowing private property to be seized for economic development projects.

Proponents argue that property ownership is a fundamental right and should be enshrined in the Constitution.

Opponents say a 2007 state law achieves the same ends and should be monitored to ensure it does the job it was intended to do.