Under an agreement with the town of Monroe, North Carolina, the town of Midland began to acquire the rights to local land for the installation of a natural gas pipeline. When the owners refused to sell, Midland used its eminent domain authority to condemn the property. Fifteen owners challenged the action in court. They claimed that Midland’s condemnation was not for a public benefit, because the town did not plan to tap into the line to provide natural gas for its citizens. Did Midland act within its rights? Discuss. [Town of Midland v. Morris, 704 S.E.2d 329 (N.C.App. 2011)]
