N.Y. Eminent Domain Procedure Law § 101: Purpose

§ 101. Purpose. It is the purpose of this law to provide the exclusive

procedure by which property shall be acquired by exercise of the power

of eminent domain in New York state; to assure that just compensation

shall be paid to those persons whose property rights are acquired by the

exercise of the power of eminent domain; to establish opportunity for

public participation in the planning of public projects necessitating

the exercise of eminent domain; to give due regard to the need to

acquire property for public use as well as the legitimate interests of

private property owners, local communities and the quality of the

environment, and to that end to promote and facilitate recognition and

careful consideration of those interests; to encourage settlement of

claims for just compensation and expedite payments to property owners;

to establish rules to reduce litigation, and to ensure equal treatment

to all property owners.