SAN DIEGO -- The San Diego City Council will consider a proposal that would extend eminent domain authority for an additional 12 years for the downtown redevelopment area covered by the Centre City Development Corporation.

Eminent domain is the right for a government to take land from private property owners for greater public good.

Some downtown businesses aren't pleased with the possible extension. The city is supposed to use eminent domain to spur redevelopment, but property owners said that it is happening at a frantic pace downtown, so eminent domain is no longer needed.

"Small business owners look forward to the ballpark opening up and the expansion of the Convention Center, but some developers see this as an opportunity to push the small guys out and abuse the law of power of eminent domain," business owner Ahmad Mesdaq said.

The CCDC used eminent domain to move homes and businesses to make way for the downtown ballpark, the Convention Center and Horton Plaza.

Robert Leif, a business owner, said, "All we want to do is to be able to develop our properties ourselves, following the normal rules of free enterprise."

The City Council must hold another public meeting before making a decision on the eminent domain issue. A final decision expected as early as March 30.