Navigation

Archive | New York

October 31, 2013

The Burden of Proof in a Condemnation Case

States differ in their approach to the question of who has the burden of proof in a condemnation case, an issue discussed more thoroughly in Michael Rikon’s recent article published in the Practical Real Estate Lawyer. As Mr. Rikon explains, there are essentially three separate groups: those that have no burden of proof on the issue of damages, those that place the burden of proof on the claimant, and those that require the condemnor to prove its assay of damages. In New York, the burden of proof is on the… read more

By
Posted in Condemnation Procedures, Eminent Domain, Highest and Best Use, New York, Offer & Compensation, Trial Preparation
Read more > 0

October 25, 2013

NYLJ: Expert Witnesses in Condemnation & Tax Certiori Cases

Michael Rikon recently published an article in the New York Law Journal titled “The Expert Witness in Condemnation and Tax Certiori Cases” wherein he discusses the factors practitioners must consider in deciding whether and which expert witnesses to call in each case. As Mr. Rikon points out, the two cases use two different valuation methodologies. In tax assessment cases, property is valued as is, while in condemnation proceedings, property is valued based on its highest and best use, regardless of its actual use. Additionally, a reasonable probability of rezoning can… read more

By
Posted in New York, Trial Preparation
Read more > 0

September 19, 2013

The Power of Eminent Domain: A Case Study Between Two States

In 2005 the Supreme Court held in Kelo v. City of New London that the general benefits of economic growth allowed the taking of private property for a private developer. The Court held that the economic development taking did not violate the public purpose clause of the Fifth Amendment. Since then, many states have adopted amendments to their Constitutions which narrow and specify the “public uses” for which property can be condemned. Virginia is one such state. The Virginia Assembly in 2007 enacted Chapters 882, 901 and 926. The legislation provided that… read more

By
Posted in Condemnation Procedures, Eminent Domain, Eminent Domain Abuse, Future of the law, New York, Recent cases
Read more > 0

August 30, 2013

NYLJ Article, “The Court’s Duty in a Condemnation Case”

Partners Michael Rikon & Jonathan Houghton recently authored an article in the New York Law Journal titled “The Court’s Duty in a Condemnation Case.” The article discusses a recent decision by the Appellate Division, Second Department, affirming an order of the Kings County Supreme Court Justice Wayne Saitta which granted a motion for leave to exchange amended appraisal reports and vacate the Note of Issue filed by the condemnor. The motion followed the review of both sides’ appraisals prior to trial. The trial court reviewed the appraisals that the parties intended to… read more

By
Posted in Condemnation Procedures, Eminent Domain, Highest and Best Use, New York, Published Articles, Recent cases, Trial Preparation
Read more > 1

August 16, 2013

Trial Court Denies Condemnor’s Motion to Dismiss Part of a Trade Fixture Claim

Justice Wayne Saitta, Kings County Supreme Court, just wrote a terrific decision denying a condemnor’s motion to dismiss part of a trade fixture claim. The decision, Pack It Away Storage Systems, Inc. v New York State Urban Development Corporation, d/b/a Empire State Development Corporation, Sup Ct., Kings County, August 9, 2013, Saitta, J. Index No. 1686/12, can be found on the following hyperlink:Pack it Away Storage Systems. The decision contains important black-letter law. One example is “[w]here the land and fixtures are owned by different entities, and the owner of the fixtures has retained… read more

By
Posted in Eminent Domain, New York, Offer & Compensation, Trade fixtures
Read more > 0