WRENTHAM - State Rep. Richard Ross has filed a bill that would prohibit the government from taking property by eminent domain in order to give it to another private developer.

Ross, R-Wrentham, said there are a number of similar bills pending in the Massachusetts House.

He said the idea is that the government should only use its power of eminent domain to take property for the betterment of the public, not for the benefit of a private developer.

Ross said the concern stems from a case several years ago in which New London, Conn., declared a residential neighborhood blighted and took the property so it could be redeveloped.

The case attracted national attention as critics said it was an abuse of government power. Ross said 40 states have now passed laws prohibiting the practice and Massachusetts should take action too.

He said people should not lose their homes just because a new developer promises to generate more tax money with the property.

A summary of his bill reads:

"Private property may only be taken when it is necessary for the possession, occupation, and enjoyment of land by the public or for public agencies.

Private property is not to be taken for private commercial enterprise or economic development - except by consent of the owner.

The questions of 'truly public use' would be a judicial question, not by legislative assertion."

He said he expects the bill to come up for a House hearing soon.