Three's a crowd?

Enquirer intern Allison D'Aurora filed this report today from our Columbus Bureau:

Awaiting the Ohio Supreme Court's decision on the legality of Norwood seizing private property for economic development, a mighty fleet of three protesters gathered in front of the Ohio Supreme Court building today.

Through the sweltering heat these infuriated souls proudly carried signs that read: "Hands Off My Home" and "Eminent Domain Abuse" with a red circle with a line struck through it. One showed a giant hand gobbling up a home.

Yet the only people to approach these loyal ralliers were news reporters and plainclothed building security guard to outline their rules of protesting.

"I wish more people would come to support this," said one of the protesters, Robert Butler, secretary of the Ohio Libertarian Party. "It's an issue everyone seems to agree on, except elected officals."

It appeared most concerned citizens were evading the intense humidity and staying cool indoors.

Butler, of Powell, said if the Supreme Court does not rule in favor of property owners, he will pursue a statewide ballot issue that would "eliminate the use of eminent domain for ecnomic purposes and better define 'blight.'"

"We're trying to clean up some of the legal language so politicians don't try and abuse it any more," Butler said.

To successfully be on the statewide ballot, Butler would have to get an approved petition and collect nearly 323000 signatures.

However, based on today's turnout, Butler has his work cut out for him.

Butler said protesters will rally again Friday at 7:30 p.m. at Clifton and Ludlow Avenue in Cincinnati. Butler said he's confident many more people will show up tomorrow night.

A decision in a lawsuit involving homeowners and the City of Norwood is expected from the Supreme Court this summer -- so the three dedicated protesters will be able to put down their angry posters.