Eminent domain, round two: state and Forest City close-mouthed as condemnation process begins for properties near arena site
“Empire State Development (ESD), the state agency overseeing/shepherding Atlantic Yards, and developer Forest City Ratner are close-mouthed and not fully candid about the second–but not quite final–round of eminent domain.
The state recently has begun the condemnation process for three homes and three businesses across Sixth Avenue from the arena, between Dean Street in Atlantic Avenue.
Eminent domain has already been approved; the issue now is compensation and possession, so the first step is asking property owners to accept a visit by an appraiser, a prelude to an offer, which later can be litigated.”
Atlantic Yards Report 9 June 2014.