Image credit: NYC Water.

The City took Staten Island property that was subject to wetlands regulations. In the early 1970s Baycrest Manor, Inc., purchased two irregularly shaped, adjacent unimproved lots between Zoe Street and Cletus Street in the Dongan Hills section of Staten Island.  After Baycrest purchased the lots the State designated the majority of the lots as wetlands. On November 3, 2006 the City acquired the lots from Baycrest as part of a multi-phase project to manage storm water along the New Creek Bluebelt. Subsequently Baycrest sued the City seeking just compensation. The Supreme Court, Richmond County, awarded Baycrest $382,190.25 based on the determination that Baycrest was entitled to an increment above the regulated wetland value of the lots. (read more…)