DEP Environmental Protection Invoices, 1999-2001

NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document

NYC Environmental Law Fax:212-788-1619 Dec 27 2000 16:45 P. 03

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Item • TABLE OF CONTENTS ...................................................... ................................. I

• TABLE OF AUTHORITIES ...................................................... .................................2

PRELIMINARY STATEMENT ................................................. .................................4

INTEREST OF THE AMICUS.. ................................5

STATEMENT OF FACTS ......... .................................5

ARGUMENT I ........................... .................................5

A MUNICIPALITY'S USE OF LAND BENEATH ITS PARKS FOR THE INSTALLATION OF ITS OWN PUBLIC WORKS FACILITIES DOES NOT REQUIRE APPROVAL FROM THE STATE LEGISLATURE .......................................................................5

A. The Common Law Doctrine Against Alienation Of Parkland Does Not Apply To Lands Beneath the Surface of a Park......................6

B. NY General City Law §20(2) Is Inapplicable In The Instant Action.....7

ARGUMENT!! ...............................................................

SOUND PUBLIC POLICY CONSIDERATIONS SUPPORT THE DISTRICT COURT'S DETERMINATION THAT CONSTRUCTION OF THE WTP DOES NOT REQUIRE APPROVAL FROM THE STATE LEGISLATURE .................................................................................9

A. Providing An Adequate Water Supply Is An Essential Function For Which A Municipality Must Be Conferred All Necessary Authority....9

B. A Local Government Is Far Better Suited To Determine And Address Its Public Works Infrastructure Needs Than Is The State Legislature.........................................................................................10

CONCLUSION ................................ ......................................I I

NYC-WTC 000137818