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Eminent Domain Upheld: Red Hook’s Waterfront Park Moves Closer

Episode 79: Eminent Domain Upheld: Red Hook’s Waterfront Park Moves Closer

A unanimous appellate ruling backs Red Hook’s eminent domain bid for the Boat Club. Emily Sachar explains what it settles and what it doesn’t

Show notes

A unanimous four-judge panel of the Appellate Division has upheld the Town of Red Hook’s decision to acquire the Red Hook Boat Club by eminent domain for a public waterfront park. Publisher Walter Mullin and Editor-in-Chief Emily Sachar, who reported the story with Aleah Gatto, explain what the court decided: that the town established a legitimate public purpose, adequately considered alternative sites, and conducted a sufficient environmental review. They untangle how this ruling coexists with Judge Maria Rosa’s earlier decisions striking down the town’s zoning laws, and what the court said about objections from the Waterfront Advisory Committee.

They also look at what remains unsettled: how the price will be set for the 2.37-acre Barrytown property, where the town will find the money, and whether Commodore Richie Ross and the club will appeal to the Court of Appeals. And with Supervisor Robert McKeon, Deputy Supervisor Bill Hamel, and Jacob Testa all up for reelection in 2027, Emily explains why the next moves in this fight may be political rather than legal.

Produced by Emily Sachar, Walter Mullin, Matty Rosenberg, and Jennifer Hammoud at the Radio Free Rhinecilff studio

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Guests

Emily Sachar

Emily Sachar

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Walter Mullin

Walter Mullin

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