Buffalo Report

The PBA and Eminent Domain
Sam Hoyt
New York State Assembly, 144th district
 

The PBA is one of the only authorities of its kind that does not have the power of eminent domain, which is probably a good thing considering their long history of  lack of accountability to the public. That said, I am confident that, under the leadership of Paul Koessler, in whom I have the utmost trust and confidence, the PBA is a totally new organization that recognizes that decisions that will impact the community for generations to come must be presented to the public for their input.  I also believe that Jake Lamb is an extremely competent individual and that he is genuinely attempting to make this new process as open to the public as possible.

I have had extensive conversations with both of these men about the bridge and plaza issue and they have been very productive.  I believe it is critical for our region's economy that we move forward quickly to build a community consensus about the best bridge and plaza. Once we have established that consensus, the Authority must have the tools to get the job done expeditiously.  Further delays will continue to prevent this community from capitalizing on the enormous economic opportunities that this international border crossing present to our region.  If those tools include the power of eminent domain, then I will work with the Authority to craft legislation with very tight restrictions and oversight measures that will prevent any abuses, but allow them to go forward expeditiously in completing the project.

I do not believe it would be in the best interest of the community and the project in general to require to the authority to rely on another governmental entity to do the job for them.  That in my opinion would only delay the project and muck it up in an even greater bureaucratic morass. I will discuss this issue with my colleagues in the legislature and on the local level as well as other community and neighborhood representatives. It will not be done hastily and without community input.  There is too much at stake not to do it right.
 

23 February 2002
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