tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20743459.post216575347925680295..comments2024-03-28T05:19:17.215-04:00Comments on Atlantic Yards/Pacific Park Report: Blight patrol: new eateries thrive on Vanderbilt and Sixth avenuesNorman Oderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07618087999719667586noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20743459.post-6863759458456808892010-03-29T10:57:37.787-04:002010-03-29T10:57:37.787-04:00Yes, using the ambiguity of the blight designation...Yes, using the ambiguity of the blight designation to seize private property is a time-worn trick of ESDC's. But the courts are beginning to take note of eminent domain abuse and particularly the specious claim of blight needed to use eminent domain. The NYS Appellate Court (second to highest court in the state) just struck down eminent domain in the Columbia University expansion project(Columbia is expanding its campus into Harlem), stating "The designation of blight in the instant case is mere sophistry." Also, in the Columbia case, as in the AY case, there was collusion between the city and the developer. Of course, Columbia is appealing the decision so the struggle continues.Juliehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08687071161669566841noreply@blogger.com