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No one believed in Claire’s vision more than Claire. The fact that her vision had helped drive her out of Connecticut College did not deter her, and she held on to her position as president of the NLDC. Three days after enduring the humiliating experience of resigning from the college, Claire, with the rest of the NLDC, faced a monumental decision: whether to finally exercise the power of eminent domain to seize Susette’s home and twenty-one other properties that stood in the way of the development plan. As if her ouster at Connecticut College had been ancient history, Claire passionately led the discussion with the NLDC’s board of directors. For her the answer was simple: use the power.

Dave Goebel agreed. “We’re at a stage in the project where we have to move forward,” he said. “We’ve talked until we’re blue in the face.”

A board member introduced Resolution 1016-1. It established the NLDC’s designation as the city’s development agent and confirmed that the agency’s lawfully approved municipal-development plan required the acquisition of Fort Trumbull properties. “Now, therefore, it is resolved that the New London Development Corporation, in the name of the City of New London, acquire certain properties located in the Fort Trumbull Municipal Development Plan Area of New London through the exercise of the power of eminent domain,” the resolution read, listing Susette’s house, four properties belonging to Von Winkle, four belonging to Matt Dery and his family, and a host of others.

The board voted unanimously in favor of the resolution.

When a member of the NLDC’s real-estate-acquisition team called Susette in hope of persuading her to sell at the newly appraised price of $123,000, she told him to forget it.

“For $123,000,” he told her, “you could probably get a real nice double-wide.”

She bristled at the assumption that she’d desire a trailer home. “You know,” she said, “I’m not the double-wide kind of girl.” She hung up on the agent.

Goebel wasted no time in sending Susette a certified letter. “To carry out our plans to develop the Fort Trumbull Municipal Development Project, it will be necessary for you to move,” Goebel wrote, pointing out that she didn’t have to move yet. “When you do move, you will be entitled to relocation payments and other assistance.”

As she read the letter, Susette’s hands shook. On paper it all sounded so legal, so matter-of-fact, and so unstoppable. Offering counseling, advisory services, and a $15,000 stipend for incidental expenses associated with moving, Goebel promised to provide a list of comparable houses. “From a review of local housing listings, it appears that comparable replacement homes are available in the local market,” he said.

Susette laughed. She had an unobstructed water view. She knew she’d never find a home with comparable water views for anything near $123,000.

She finished reading the letter. “Remember, do not move before we have a chance to discuss your eligibility for assistance,” Goebel wrote. “This letter is important to you and should be retained.”

Desperate, she called Bullock. She didn’t bother saying hello. “Are you going to represent us, or what?” she said.

Bullock was eager to say yes, but he had to be honest. He had three major cases pending in other jurisdictions: an eminent-domain case in Pittsburgh, a forfeiture case in New Jersey, and a ballot initiative in Baltimore County. “We’re serious about wanting to take the case,” he told her. “But we have other serious obligations to cases we’ve already committed to.”

“How serious are you about our case?” she asked.

“Listen, we’re very serious. I think we can do it. It’s not a question of resources. It’s a question of time and people power. We have to be careful not to get overextended.”

Susette said nothing. Bullock asked if she was still on the line.

“Well, I’m willing to stick in the fight if you take the case.”

“We still need to get approval from our board of directors. But if you are committed to it,