New London approves evictions in eminent domain dispute

By Stephen Singer, AP writer:

NEW LONDON, Conn. — City officials voted Monday night to begin eviction proceedings against residents who refuse to leave their riverfront homes, signaling the end may be near in an eminent domain dispute that reached the U.S. Supreme Court. The City Council approved the action 5-2, authorizing the city attorney to take the necessary steps, including possible court action, to evict the remaining two families and obtain the properties. A lawyer for the families said they are considering continuing their battle with the city...
Since the Supreme Court ruling, all but two families have settled with the city and agreed to leave. Michael Cristofaro, one of the Fort Trumbull holdouts, spoke out against the property seizures. "Just give us back our deeds," Cristofaro said. "You are not being straight with us or the public. You are not listening to the general public."
Cristofaro singled out five of the seven council members who favor taking the property. "You are a disgrace to the city, the state and the nation," he said.