> debating if I should raze this nearby 5-star neighborhood,
In real life, could a city do this (outside of forcing people out of their homes with military power)? Are there checks and limits on how much eminent domain can do in terms of claiming already-owned land?
I'm not sure about the city taking your house, but certainly they can approve rezoning areas, and demolition and construction permits. If a developer gets approval and can purchase every house, there's not much difference (though at least owners are compensated, hopefully more than fairly).
Once the vast majority of your neighborhood signs on, you don't really have much choice. You can hold out for a better offer, but you might also have them literally just build around you [1].
In real life, could a city do this (outside of forcing people out of their homes with military power)? Are there checks and limits on how much eminent domain can do in terms of claiming already-owned land?