Senator Perkins hosts public meeting on eminent domain Saturday, schedules public hearing for January 5

Tomorrow, state Senator Bill Perkins will hold a Community Meeting on Eminent Domain at Manhattan Pentecostal Church, 541 W. 1245th Street (between Broadway and Amsterdam; map), from 9:30 am to 12 noon.

He will discuss the recent Appellate Division ruling which blocked the Empire State Development Corporation (ESDC) from using eminent domain for the Columbia University expansion--a decision that will be appealed.

The plaintiffs will be present, as well be representatives from two other eminent domain fights: Atlantic Yards (via Daniel Goldstein of Develop Don't Destroy Brooklyn) and Willets Point.

The meeting is the precursor to a public hearing scheduled for January 5--location TBA--regarding eminent domain, the ESDC, and Columbia.

Report back

Perkins will report on his letter to Governor David Paterson asking for a moratorium on eminent domain and his request that ESDC not appeal the Columbia decision--both of which have not been embraced.

Also, Perkins, who held a public hearing in September 2008 on eminent domain, will announce plans to initiate legislation regarding eminent domain.