Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Eminent Domain topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board moves to schedule hearing on eminent domain to restore access to Gonzoga Park
Summary
The board passed a resolution to reschedule a public hearing under EDPL §201 related to a County of Orange parcel; village counsel and special counsel have advised the village may have standing to pursue eminent domain to reopen a road and reduce a detour that officials described as a "15-minute" and potentially dangerous route.
The Village Board approved Resolution No. (054) to reschedule a public hearing under the New York Eminent Domain Procedure Law (EDPL) §201 concerning a County of Orange parcel that officials said blocks direct access to Gonzoga Park. Mayor George Kalaj moved the resolution and Deputy Mayor Abraham Weiss seconded; the motion passed with four ayes and one absence. The board indicated the rescheduled hearing is a procedural step in a potential eminent domain process that special counsel has been authorized to begin.
Joel Stern said special counsel Monaco Cooper had reviewed whether eminent domain actions would have standing against another municipality and advised that a property already used for public purposes may still be subject to proceedings when the taking is itself for public use. Stern said reopening the road would allow residents of South Blooming Grove and the Town of Blooming Grove to access Gonzoga Park without a roughly 15-minute detour through Monroe, which the village described as creating congestion and "life safety issues." The board did not take a final eminent domain action at the July 14 meeting beyond scheduling the public hearing required by EDPL procedures.
