Second South Nyack Home Saved from Eminent Domain, Purchased by TZC

BY JANIE ROSMAN

Rockland County land records indicate Jacqueline Peralta and her husband Roberto Garcia officially sold their house at 317 S. Broadway — one of six home originally targeted for eminent domain — to Tappan Zee Constructors, LLC (TZC) on August 21, 2014, for $450,302.

Earlier this year, TZC bought the home of next-door neighbors Melissa Hall and Michael Holober, for $431,764.

In October 2011, the Thruway Authority told six South Nyack homeowners, including the two cited, that their property is part of the project’s eminent domain. By May, those homes were no longer needed when the project plan changed.

Although they “do not legally qualify for eminent domain under federal regulations,” special project advisor Brian Conybeare said in a statement, “TZC purchased two homes in South Nyack as part of the New NY Bridge’s on-going good neighbor policy.”

TZC offered to let the homeowners choose three local appraisers, average the three appraisals, and add $5,000 to help with moving costs and to cover their real estate transfer tax. The other four homeowners are also welcome to accept the offer.

The situation continues to plague John Cameron and his wife Hope Elliott of 321 S. Broadway, who feel the state lowered the value of his house by removing the eminent domain process, then saying owners can sell if they choose.

South Nyack Mayor Bonnie Christian confirmed she’s waiting to hear from project officials about a meeting date — postponed twice — whereby residents will view and comment on suggestions for the development of the Exit 10 Interchange, including the new shared use path.

Initially, the SUP terminus was Smith Avenue, a tiny dead-end street off Piermont Avenue. A second plan, reflecting changes sought by the village, extended it to the intersection of South Broadway and Cornelison Avenue, with parking at the Village Hall site.

That it will be a workshop setting angered residents like neighborhood advocate Cliff Weathers.

“It’s a dangerous intersection with cars and school buses. How is a bus going to make that hairpin right-hand turn? Someone is going to die,” Weathers said. “In a workshop, only a few people talk about something, and then report back to the group. We need a public forum, where everyone in the room can hear what everyone else is saying.”