CB9M Resolution In Opposition to Eminent Domain

Community Board N. 9 - Manhattan CB9M


September 24, 2004



Hon. Michael Bloomberg
Mayor
City Hall
New York, New York 10007

Dear Mayor Bloomberg:

At it's regularly scheduled monthly meeting held on Thursday, September 23, 2004 the following resolution re: Opposition to Eminent Domain was passed by a vote of 29 in favor, 0 opposed, and 0 abstentions:

Whereas, Community Board No. 9 Manhattan is undergoing an on going regeneration process through the preparation of its 197-A Plan; and

Whereas, This process has called for a review of past policies; and

Whereas, The Board has never condoned the use eminent domain for private gain; and

Whereas, Several States have officially repudiated and legally curtailed improper use of the Eminent Domain statute; and

Whereas, Review by our consultants from Pratt Institute has confirmed that conditions in our Manhattanville are not "Blighted"; and

Whereas, Property owned by individual tax paying businesses are in excellent condition; and

Whereas, Properties displaying the most need for remediation belongs to the City or to a non-profit holder; now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That Community Board No. 9 Manhattan declares its opposition to the use of condemnation through a "Blight" studies or any other method, as a vehicle toward eminent domain; and be it further

Resolved, That Community Board No. 9 formally requests that no government agency present an offer of eminent domain, whether for or not-for profit, to any private persons seeking development in the Board 9 Manhattan District.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact either me or District Manager, Lawrence T. McClean at (212) 864-6200.

Sincerely,



Jordi Reyes-Montblanc
Chair


cc:
Hon. Charles B. Rangel, U.S. Congressman
Hon. Eric Schneiderman, State Senator
Hon. David A. Paterson, State Senator
Hon. Daniel O'Donnell, Assemblymember
Hon. Keith Wright, Assemblymember
Hon. Herman D. Farrell, Jr., Assemblymember
Hon. C. Virginia Fields, Manhattan Borough President
Hon. Robert Jackson, City Councilmember
Hon. Bill Perkins, City Councilmember
Community Board Offices [City-Wide]
NYC Council