N.Y. Eminent Domain Procedure Law § 601: Applicability

§ 601. Applicability. (A) When the total compensation demanded by all

condemnees having an interest in a particular property being acquired is

twenty-five thousand dollars or less, exclusive of interest, a condemnee

may, within the time prescribed by section five hundred three of this

law, file a claim with the clerk of the court having jurisdiction over

the acquisition, and a copy of said claim upon the chief legal officer

of the condemnor, or upon such other official designated by the

condemnor to receive such service. This claim shall include a request to

the court to proceed in accordance with this article and describe

briefly the property to which the request relates and set forth the

amount of compensation demanded by the condemnee including a concise

statement of the basis therefor.

(B) The court shall view the property, and shall upon reasonable

notice to the condemnor and the condemnee, meet at a hearing with the

parties or representatives present and proceed in an informal manner to

hear proof concerning the amount of compensation due the condemnee.