Residents of Slippery Rock Borough have cause to feel upbeat about an $8 million revitalization project proposed for an eight-square-block area that includes parts of Main and Franklin streets.

However, amid that potentially exciting venture should exist a window of caution about the issue of eminent domain.

Eminent domain, which allows the taking of private property for public use, should be invoked only as a last resort and for the public good. It should not be used as a vehicle for expediting a project when conventional property-acquisition options still have prospects for success.

Bad judgment regarding eminent domain can trigger public opposition and court challenges that can delay - or, in worst-case scenarios, scuttle - a project.

Perry O'Malley, executive director of the Butler County Redevelopment Authority, which has proposed the Slippery Rock project, voices the right thinking about eminent domain.

"Basically, the philosophy of eminent domain is the absolute last resort," he said. "It's only usable when there's a dire need for public property. The reuse of that property must be for the public's best interest."

O'Malley said his intention is to use eminent domain sparingly under the proposed revitalization, and that's good. But it would be preferable if that option could be avoided completely.

While eminent domain is a reasonable success tool, if used properly, it shouldn't be invoked until no other option is deemed workable or financially feasible.

Eminent domain is part of the discussion regarding the proposed project because the targeted revitalization area has little open space, while the project envisions the need for some properties for new development.

Avoiding eminent domain will, for the most part, keep all property acquisition upbeat and minimize opposition, although no project of the scope envisioned is likely to please everyone.

O'Malley said the project's preliminary plans call for new condominiums; a new borough building, including police and fire stations; and improvements to homes and businesses. The project builds upon revitalization already completed or about to get under way.

Already Butler County's revitalization success story, Slippery Rock probably won't allow itself to be a victim of bad judgment about eminent domain or any other aspects of the upcoming work.

But it's helpful to remind itself of the potential pitfalls at the get-go, rather than have to take a step back later.