Can anyone seriously suggest that elected officials should make this sort of decision?

From the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Legislators aim to put limits on uses of eminent domain.

Eminent domain is supposed to be used for public works projects that benefit entire communities, like highways, airports or bridges, he said. Others, though, say it should be available more broadly...Pittsburgh Mayor Tom Murphy has said that eminent domain is an important tool. The city used the threat of eminent domain to persuade Pittsburgh Wool Co. to make way for an expansion of H.J. Heinz Co. facilities, which were later purchased by Del Monte Food Co.

"Persuade?" And deciding that H.J. Heinz trumps Pittsburgh Wool? Is that what Mayors are supposed to do? Not in my world. If H.J.Heinz wants to expand, he'll just have to pretend to be a capitalist and take part in the market system.