NEIU accused of 'land grab' by property owners

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Some business owners accuse Northeastern Illinois University of using eminent domain for a land grab on the city's Northwest Side.

The move by the school to take over both sides of the block on West Bryn Mawr for a multi-level student housing and shopping complex would push out other businesses, many of which have been there for years.

NEIU argues that student housing, which it does not have now, is vital to the university's future, and its mission to, in part, define the neighborhood where it exists.

Critics, who believe the school should build on its own property first, argued before the university's board of trustees Thursday.

"Eminent domain is supposed to be for public uses that are actually needed by the public. It is not a tool of convenience," Christina Walsh, Center for Justice, said.

"Your support of eminent domain is the antithesis of what our country is all about," Kim Moshied, expansion opponent, said.

"The housing will complement our mission to serve the greater good for our diverse student population ," Chuck Good, NEIU alumni association, said.

Property owners acknowledge Illinois law gives an advantage to the university, but said they intend to keep fighting in court and in the court of public opinion.