§ (2). Condemnation.

(a) In general.

To acquire by purchase or condemnation any property, or interest therein, of any kind for any public purpose, and to provide for the procedure, with reasonable notice to the owner, by which such purchase or condemnation shall be made; and to acquire property adjoining or near to property to be used for any public purpose and to sell or dispose of such property subject to restrictions and reservations, and to assess benefits on any person benefited by any public works, construction or improvement.

Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to authorize the condemnation of property beyond the City limits. Provided, however, that nothing contained in this subsection shall be construed to authorize the City of Baltimore to acquire the franchise of any existing public utility, for the purpose of operation thereof, unless such acquisition has first been approved at a special or regular election by the duly qualified voters of said City.

(b) Sports franchises.

To acquire by purchase or condemnation any professional sports franchise which has or had the territorial rights to represent Baltimore City on or after January 1, 1983, including, without limitation,

(1) the franchise right to compete in an organized league or association;

(2) the business entity owning or operating such franchise;

(3) all contractual rights owned by the business entity which are necessary, incident, and appropriate to ownership and operation of such franchise;

(4) all interests in and rights to real property owned by the business entity which are necessary, incident, and appropriate to ownership and operation of such franchise; and

(5) any and all other property rights;

wheresoever the same may be located in the State of Maryland, whether tangible, intangible, real, personal, or mixed owned by the business entity, or to which the business entity has a claim, which are necessary, incident to and appropriate to the operation of a professional sports franchise in Baltimore City; and to sell or otherwise dispose of such franchise and collateral rights, in whole or in part, subject to such restrictions and reservations as may be necessary or appropriate.