What's happening
This bill allows the New York City Council to approve or disapprove any use of eminent domain by public authorities or benefit corporations in the city.
Why it matters
Shifts power over eminent domain decisions. By requiring City Council approval, the bill gives locally elected officials direct influence over whether public authorities or benefit corporations can take private property in New York City, increasing democratic oversight.
Adds a layer of public accountability. The mandatory public hearing ensures affected residents and stakeholders have a formal opportunity to voice concerns or support before any eminent domain action can proceed, potentially leading to more transparent and community-responsive decisions.
Could slow or alter development projects. The requirement for City Council approval and public hearings may lengthen the timeline or change the outcome for infrastructure, housing, or commercial projects that depend on eminent domain, affecting developers, city planning, and neighborhood dynamics.
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Who cares
Headline styles
City Council Controls Eminent Domain
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
Assembly Member · Assembly District 44
3 Co-sponsors
History
- Referred to judiciary
- Referred to judiciary
Companion bill
The same bill in the other chamber. A bill becomes law when one version passes both houses and the governor signs it, so either number can carry it.
City Council Controls Eminent Domain
In Senate Committee · Corporations, Authorities And Commissions · Sponsor Velmanette Montgomery
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
3517
2019-2020 Regular Sessions
IN ASSEMBLY
January 29, 2019
Introduced by M. of A. CARROLL -- read once and referred to the Committee on Judiciary
AN ACT to amend the public authorities law, in relation to authorizing the New York city council to approve or disapprove by a majority vote, any public authority's or public benefit corporation's use of eminent domain
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. The title heading of title 6 of article 9 of the public authorities law, as added by chapter 307 of the laws of 1964 and such title as renumbered by chapter 838 of the laws of 1983, is amended and a new section 2901 is added to read as follows:
EMINENT DOMAIN TAKING; PROPERTY OF OR BY A PUBLIC
BENEFIT CORPORATION
§ 2901. Eminent domain; certain cities. In cities with a population of one million or more in which any part of the real property to be acquired is located, the city council shall have the authority to approve or disapprove any public authority's or public benefit corporation's use of eminent domain. The city council shall approve or disapprove any proposed use of the power of eminent domain by majority vote. Prior to such vote, such city council shall hold at least one official public hearing on such matter at a location reasonably proximate to the property which may be acquired.
§ 2. This act shall take effect on the ninetieth day after it shall have become a law.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD02016-01-9
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.