Here we go again. The city needs something done, and the next thing you know privately owned property is suddenly fair game for confiscation under eminent domain law.

One can find an argument in support of either side of the issue, but it’s just unfortunate that such measures are deemed necessary in order to ensure the public good. Could there be well-suited alternatives that have not yet been fully examined? One would think so.

The city is already buttoning up to do battle over the long-vacated Star Market site in Winter Hill, hoping – no doubt – to get the owner of that property off the dime and a tenant in place that the city and local residents can live with.

It begs the question, how much power should a municipality wield weighed against the rights of individuals and commercial entities? Is this not still the land of the free? Of opportunity? Of inalienable rights?

The concept of eminent domain is basically concerned with watching out for the greater good. What’s best for the majority of us. If this comes at a cost to a certain few this is truly unfortunate. And even perhaps avoidable, given a fair effort at finding viable alternatives.

Meantime, the city still needs a new fire station. This is unquestioned. Let’s hope that this works out well for all concerned. There is an awful lot at stake. Our safety and our freedoms. That’s a lot.