Lessons Learned From Kelo

The Wall Street Journal reflects on Pfizer’s recent decision to leave its location in New London, Conn. I like the following statement from the op-ed in particular:

If there is a lesson from Connecticut’s misfortune, it is that economic development that relies on the strong arm of government will never be the kind to create sustainable growth.

This is a lesson that cities like Saint Louis should remember and asseverate in their future development projects. As demonstrated in New London, government involvement produces opposite-than-desired results, such as driving out businesses and attracting feral cats.