Eminent Domain Is A Powerful Tool To Shape Development But Comes With Complications
When the owners of HNA Training Center in Palisades expressed interest in selling the site last year, the Town of Orangetown inserted itself into the sale by raising the prospect of using eminent domain. Even if that never comes to pass, the notion alone may ultimately shape and influence the sale and redevelopment of the site
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With cooperation between the Town and the HNA site owners, according to town lawyers, Orangetown sought expressions of interest and proposals from potential redevelopers. Those proposals are due on March 15, 2021.
No matter who buys the HNA site and how it is used, the fact that it is being driven by the Town via a threat of eminent domain may herald a renewed interest in using the municipal power to shape commercial real estate redevelopment.
