It has now reached agreements to buy the rest, avoiding any use of the city's condemnation powers in a redevelopment zone.

The 1981 law that created the commission and gave it condemnation powers is a model for about 30 similar state laws across the country.

Because the state will use its condemnation powers, the city's lengthy hearing and land use process will not be needed, she said.

Under the contract, the group will have access to the city's condemnation powers, a weapon against land speculators.

But the use of condemnation powers to replace one set of property owners with another has often proved contentious.

It suggested other possibilities, like using the state's condemnation powers to take over Lilco.

But opponents want the city to use its condemnation powers.

Bills to limit condemnation powers have been introduced in 31 states, according to the Institute for Justice, a property rights group.

But they are leery of giving condemnation powers to the federal government - a right the states now use to place their own power lines.

But some lawmakers want to limit condemnation powers to avoid debacles like those that have occurred.