Johnston land owners to give update on fight against eminent domain seizure

JOHNSTON, R.I. (WLNE) — The fight about Johnston Mayor Joseph Polisena, Jr’s plan to use eminent domain to build a new city hall and police headquarters continues Wednesday.

The Santoro family and their attorneys will update the press on the two emergency hearings held this week to prevent the seizure.

The Santoro family owns the 31-acre plot of land that was originally set to be developed into lower income housing.

In December, the mayor canceled that plan, instead announcing a new city hall and public safety complex.

Since then, the Santoro family has taken their case to state and federal courts, with both holding hearings Tuesday.

The Santoros and their lawyers will speak Wednesday at 11 a.m.