Stop Gentrification Under the Guise of Nuisance Abatement

I stand in firm opposition to SCS/SB 388 (Black), HB 739 (Owen), and HB 1258 (Owen), legislation that threatens to destabilize communities, erode property rights, and exacerbate systemic inequities in Missouri. These bills prioritize expediency over justice, risking grave harm to vulnerable residents and neighborhoods. The expanded “nuisance” provisions are a blueprint for abuse. Allowing courts to appoint receivers to seize, demolish, or sell properties—without guaranteeing owners adequate due process—opens the door to predatory displacement. Low-income homeowners, often lacking resources to swiftly contest claims, could lose their homes over minor violations or subjective accusations. Expedited proceedings and the elimination of jury trials strip away critical safeguards, tilting the scales toward well-funded entities and away from justice. Permitting neighbors and organizations to sue for damages or injunctions invites harassment and discrimination. A resident 1,200 feet away could weaponize these provisions to target marginalized communities, renters, or small landlords, destabilizing neighborhoods under the guise of “nuisance abatement.” Coupled with mandated attorney fees, these measures deter rightful defense, punishing those who cannot afford legal battles. Meanwhile, dismantling adjacency requirements for land banks risks accelerating gentrification. Without strategic acquisition rules, land banks may hoard scattered properties, inviting speculative development that displaces long-term residents. This undermines community-driven revitalization, replacing affordability with profit-driven projects. In a state already grappling with housing insecurity, this reckless policy will deepen disparities. Proponents claim these bills address blight, but they ignore the root causes: systemic disinvestment and poverty. Punitive measures will not rehabilitate communities—they will fracture them. We urge you to reject this legislation and instead pursue solutions that empower residents, preserve due process, and invest in equitable housing. Do not sacrifice Missourians’ homes and rights for the sake of expediency. Stand with communities, not against them.