Owner must file four months from Council’s action; challenge cannot be raised as a defense. In September 2003, DEP started the process to condemn a 12,500- square-foot lot at 142 Grand Street in Manhattan as part of the City’s construction of the Third Water Tunnel. The largest capital project in the City’s history, the Third Water Tunnel construction will enable the City to close and repair the City’s two functioning water tunnels for the first time since they commenced operations in 1917 and 1936. Construction commenced in the 1970s and 13 miles of the planned 60-mile water tunnel are operational.

The City’s proposed condemnation was to enable construction at 142 Grand Street of a 512- foot deep shaft connecting the Third Water Tunnel to the City’s water mains and a large chamber, three feet below the surface, to regulate water pressure. The City estimated a 30-month construction period, after which, the lot could return to its original condition with the City retaining access to maintain the water pressure chamber. (read more…)