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10/31/17 1 New York Canal Law The Law Office of Laura E. Ayers, Esq. 223 Church Street Fultonville, NY 12072 (518) 922-5086 [email protected] History and Background: Colonial Efforts for Inland Nav in NY 1724 Cadwalladar Colden, Surveyor General to the Governor of the colony of New York sent to make a report on Western NY His report vis-a-vis fur trading: the Mohawk River was superior to the St. Lawrence River for inland navigation even with the short portages necessary to reach Lake Ontario and Lake Erie. 1768 Gov. Moore of Colonial NY proposed to improve inland navigation à political infighting crushed the idea History and Background: Early Efforts for a NY Canal In 1777 Gouverneur Morris was noted for “talking” about canals being built to improve communications and navigation across NYS

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NewYorkCanalLawTheLawOfficeofLauraE.Ayers,Esq.

223ChurchStreetFultonville,NY12072

(518)[email protected]

HistoryandBackground:ColonialEffortsforInlandNav inNY• 1724Cadwalladar Colden,SurveyorGeneraltotheGovernorofthecolonyofNewYorksenttomakeareportonWesternNY• Hisreportvis-a-vis furtrading:• theMohawkRiverwassuperiortotheSt.LawrenceRiverforinlandnavigationevenwiththeshortportagesnecessarytoreachLakeOntarioandLakeErie.

• 1768Gov.MooreofColonialNYproposedtoimproveinlandnavigationà politicalinfightingcrushedtheidea

HistoryandBackground:EarlyEffortsforaNYCanal• In1777Gouverneur Morriswasnotedfor“talking”aboutcanalsbeingbuilttoimprovecommunicationsandnavigationacrossNYS

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HistoryandBackground:NYEarlyEfforts

• Legislationin1791leadtothecreationof:• WesternInlandLockNavigationCompany• TodeveloptherouteuptheMohawktoLakeOntarioandpossiblytotheFingerLakes

• NorthernInlandLockNavigationCompany• TodevelopapassagefromtheHudsontoLakeChamplainandVermont

Theirpurposewastoimprovethenavigabilityoftheriversandonlyuselockstoby-passrapids

HistoryandBackground:EarlyNYEfforts

• PhillipSchuylerwasappointedpresidentofbothCompanies• Performedtheengineeringhimselfb/c civilengineeringwasanon-existentprofessionintheUS• NavigationontheMohawkbeganinSchenectady• WILNCo.built5locksaroundLittleFalls(onthenorthshore)• Andbuilt2milesofcanalconnectingtheMohawkandWoodCreek

HistoryandBackground:AuthorizationfortheCanal• InMarchof1810JonasPlatt,StateSenatorandJamesEddyoftheWILNCo.presentedtheLegislaturewithaproposalthatCanalCommissionersbeappointed

JonasPlatt

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HistoryandBackground:AuthorizationfortheCanal• TheFirstCanalCommissionincluded:• Gouverneur Morris• StephenVanRensselaer• JamesGeddes,LS,• BenjaminWright,LS,• JonasPlatt,• ThomasEddy• DeWittClinton

• WentonanExpeditioninJuneof1810

StephenVanRensselaer

GovernorDeWittClinton

1790-- ColumbiaUniversitygraduate,lawyer

1790-1795-- Privatesecretarytohisuncle,GeorgeClinton

1797-1798-- NewYorkAssembly

1798-1802-- NewYorkSenate

1802-1803-- UnitedStatesSenate

1803-1815-- MayorofNewYorkCity:Asmayor,Clintonalsoheldofficeasstatesenator(1806-1811)andlieutenantgovernor(1811-1813).

1817-1823-- GovernorofNewYorkState

1810-1824-- NewYorkCanalCommissioner

1825-1828-- GovernorofNewYorkState

1812-- NarrowlylosttheraceforPresidentoftheUnitedStatestoJamesMadison.

HistoryandBackground:AuthorizationfortheCanal• InAprilof1811theCommissionersprovidedtheirreporttotheLegislature• FavoringtheinlandrouteduetofearsthattheSt.LawrenceseawayandthustheFrenchwouldbenefitfromtheCanalmorethanNewYorkers• Alsosupportedanentirelyartificialwaterway• TheLegislaturebeganpassingbillsrelativetothecanal• Appropriating$15,000tofinancetheBd ofCommish.• AddingRobertFulton&RobertLivingstonasCommish.

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HistoryandBackground:AuthorizationfortheCanal• Warof1812highlightedtheneedforbettertransportation• 1815JonasPlattandThomasEddywithMayorDeWittClinton’shelpbeganpushingthecanalagain• Gainedpublicsupport• LegislatureinFebof1816appropriated$20,000forsurveysevenasitdelayedconstruction• Appointed5newcommissioners(Clinton,VanRensselaer,Ellicot,Holley,Young)• Financingof$6millionwasneeded(theactualcostwas$7million,veryclosetotheestimate)

HistoryandBackground:AuthorizationfortheCanal• TheGreatWesternCanalwasdividedinto3sectionscovering363miles• WesternsegmentfromLakeErietotheSenecaRiver• MiddlesegmentfromSenecaRivertoRome• EasternSectionfromRometoAlbany

HistoryandBackground:AuthorizationfortheCanal• Chapter262oftheLawsof1817PassedApril15,1817• Entitled:“AnActrespectingnavigablecommunicationsbetweenthegreatwesternandnorthernlakes,andtheAtlanticocean.”• Preamble:“WHEREASnavigablecommunicationsbetweenlakesErieandChamplain,andtheAtlanticocean,bymeansofcanalsconnectedwiththeHudsonriver,willpromoteagriculture,manufacturesandcommerce,mitigatethecalamitiesofwarandenhancetheblessingofpeace,consolidatetheunion,andadvancetheprosperityandelevatethecharacteroftheUnitedStates.”

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HistoryandBackground:AuthorizationfortheCanal• ConstructionbeganonJuly4,1817inRome,NY• JamesGeddeswasappointedsurveyor/engineerofthewesternportion• BenjaminWrightwasappointedtothemiddlesection• CharlesBroadhead wasappointedtotheeasternsection

BenjaminWright

HistoryandBackground:SummaryoftheCanal

• 363Mileslong,40feetwide,4feetdeep• Completedin1825• WeddingoftheWaters• StartedonthePacketBoatSenecaChiefonOct26,1825inBuffalo,NY• ArrivedatNYConNov.4• TheSenecaChiefReturnedtoBuffaloonNov.23

HistoryandBackground:Summary

• within15yearsNYbecamethebiggestportintheCountrymovinggreatertonnagesthanBoston,BaltimoreandNewOrleanscombined.• Everymajorcityinthestate,exceptBinghamtonandElmirafallsalongthetraderouteofthecanal• 80%ofthepopulationofupstateNYstillliveswithin25milesofthecanalpath• TheCanalwasenlargedseveraltimesin1835,1895and1903• Between1905and1918newtechniqueswereusedto“canalize”theriversandlakesthattheoriginalmanmadecanalhadbeenbuilttoavoid.àBarge Canal

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AcquisitionMethodsUsed

HistoryandBackground

VoluntaryCessationorGrant

• CanalCommissionerswere• “Empoweredtomakeapplicationinbehalfofthisstate….totheproprietorsofthelandthroughwhichsuchnavigationmaybecarriedforcessionsorgrantstothepeopleofthisstate,tobereceivedbysaidcommissionersintheirdiscretion…”• Chap.188Lawsof1811Section3• Chap231oftheLawsof1812Section2

VoluntaryCessation,GrantorDonationofLandormoney• “Saidcommissioners…areherebyauthorised (sic)andrequiredtomakeapplicationinbehalfofthisstate…totheproprietorsofoflandsthroughornearwhichthesaidcanalsoreitherofthemmayormaybeproposedtopass,toallbodiespoliticandcorporate,publicorprivateandallcitizensorinhabitantsofthisoranyotherstateoftheUnitedStatesforcessions,grants,donationsoflandormoneyforthepurposeofaidingintheconstructionorcompletionofbothoreitherofthesaidcanals,accordingtotheseveralgrantorsordonorsandtotaketothepeopleofthisstatesuchgrantsandconveyancesasmaybeproperandcompetenttovestagoodandsufficienttitleinthesaidpeopletothelandssotobecededorgrantedaforesaidforthepurposesabovementioned.”• Chapter237oftheLawsof1816Section4

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VoluntaryCessation,GrantorDonationofLand• Between1816and1821inclusive,approximately200grantsofdonationsofprivateland(knownas“cessions”)weremadetothestateforcanalpurposes

GuardLockforOriginalCanalattheSchoharieCrossing

VoluntaryCessation,GrantorDonationofLand

Issues:§ Descriptionsusedinthecessionsareoftenverygeneralwithoutclearindicationgiven

astotheactualextentofthegrant§ WouldtitlereverttotheoriginalowneroflandscededtotheStatebutneverusedfor

canalpurposes?(waterprivilegesrevertedinsomeinstancesofcanalabandonment)§ VoluntaryGrantswereneverrecordedinthevariousCountyClerk'sofficeswherethe

landssograntedwerelocated§ Unlessanexceptionorotherreferenceismadeinasubsequentconveyancebythe

samegrantor,onewillnotfindrecordofagranttothestateforcanalpurposes.(Rexfordv.Knight)

Chapter262oftheLawsof1817EnablingLegislationforCanal• InSectionIIItheCanalCommissionerswereauthorizedto:• “…bythemselvesandbyanyandeverysuperintendent,agentorengineeremployedbythem,toenterupon,takepossessionof,anduseallandsingularanylands,watersandstreamsnecessaryfortheprosecutionoftheimprovementsintendedbythisact…”

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OriginalCanalLock#20VanAlstein v.Belden,41AD123(4thDept1899)

• “Theiripsedixitseemedallthatwasessential.”• DescribingthepowersoftheCanalCommissionersrelatingtotheaccessionoflandsforcanalpurposes

Chapter262oftheLawsof1817

Chapter262oftheLawsof1817

• SectionIIIfurtherstates:• “…anditshallbethedutyof…appraisers…tomakeajustandequitableestimateoftheappraisalofthelossanddamage,ifany,overandabovethebenefitandadvantagetotherespectiveownersandproprietorsorpartiesinterestedinthepremises,sorequiredforthepurposesaforesaid,byandinconsequenceofmakingandconstructinganyoftheworksaforesaid…• Oftenthebenefitwasdeemedtooutweighthedamagesandnocompensationwaspaid

Chapter262oftheLawsof1817

• SectionIIIfurtherstates:• “…andthecanalcommissionersshallpaythedamagestobesoassessedandappraisedandthefeesimpleofthepremisessoappropriatedshallbevestedinthepeopleofthisstate.”

FortHunter,NY

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Chapter262oftheLawsof1817

• “…madenoprovisionastothemannerinwhichpossessionshouldbetakenortitleacquired.”• VanAlstein v.Belden,41AD123(4th Dept.1899)

Chapter262oftheLawsof1817

• Rogersv.Bradshaw,20Johns,735(1823)• InterpretsChapter262oftheLawsof1817• Issue:CanalemployeeshadcuttimberandrelocatedtheWaterfordandWhitehallturnpikeroadduringimprovementstotheNorthernCanal• TheSupremeCourtheldthatrelocatingaroadwasnotacanalimprovementthereforetheactionsoftheCanalemployeeswerenotexcusedbytheactof1817.

Rogersv.BradshawonChap.262oftheLawsof1817• TheChancellordisagreedwiththeSupremeCourt:• “Surely,astatute,vestinglargepowers restingverymuchfortheirexerciseintheundefineddiscretionandcheckedonlybythegentleadmonitionofdoing“nounnecessarydamage”oughttobeconstruedmorebenignlyandmoreliberally.Especiallyoughtthistobethecasewhenthepowersaretobeappliedtoagreatpublicobject,calculatedtointimidatebyitsnovelty,itsexpenseanditsmagnitude,andwhichdepended,forallitssuccessfulresults,upondecisionofcharacteraswellasuponmaturityofjudgment.”

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Chapter262oftheLawsof1817

• SectionIVstates:• “Thatwhenever,intheopinionofthecanalcommissioners,itshallbefortheinterestofthisstate,fortheprosecutionoftheworkscontemplatedbythisact,thatalltheinterestandtitle(ifany)inlawandequity,oftheWesterninlandlocknavigationcompany,shouldbevestedinthepeopleofthisstate,…”• Whatinterestandtitle(ifany)didtheWILNCo.have?àChapter 49oftheLawsof1793

RevisedStatutes(1827)Chapter9Title9Article1• Section16:• “Intheconstructionofeverycanalcommissionersshallhavethepoweranditshallbetheirdutytomakeallsuchcanals,feeders,locks,damsaqueductsandotherworksastheyshalldeemtheproperconstructionofsuchcanaltorequire’andtheyshallenteron,andtakepossessionofandusealllands,streamsandwatersofwhichtheappropriationfortheuseofsuchcanalsandworksshallintheirjudgmentbenecessary.”

RevisedStatutes(1827)Chapter9Title9Article3• Section48àStatuteofLimitationstoclaimdamages• “Everypersoninterestedinpremisessoappropriated,ifheintendtomakeaclaimfordamages,shall,withinoneyearaftersuchpremisesshallhavebeentakenfortheuseofthestate,exhibittotheappraisersastatementofhisclaim,signedbyhimself….andspecifyingthenatureandextentofhisinterestinthepremisesappropriatedandtheamountofdamages;andeverypersonrefusingorneglectingtoexhibitsuchclaim,withinthetimeprescribed,shallbedeemedtohavesurrenderedtothestatehisinterestinthepremisessoappropriated.”

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CanalBoardDigests

• DigestofClaimsandtheactionthereonbytheLegislatureandtheCanalBoard• WithawardsmadebytheBoardofCanalAppraisers• 1818-1858• 1858,1859,1860• 1860-1865• 1866-1870

• NewYorkStateLibrary

LegislativeAction

RevisedStatutes(1827)Chapter9Title9Article3• Section50• “Aregularentryofeverydeterminationandappraisementmadebytheappraisers,certifiedandsignedbytheappraisersmakingit,andcontaininganaptandsufficientdescriptionofthepremisessoappropriated,thenamesofthepersonsinterested,andthesumsestimatedtoeachforbenefitsanddamages,shallbemadeinabookkeptforthatpurpose,bythecanalcommissioners.”

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RevisedStatutes(1827)Chapter9Title9Article3• Section51• “Atranscriptifeverysuchentry,signedinlikemanner,andacknowledgedorprovedasaconveyanceoflands,shallberecordedintheclerk’sofficeofeachcountyinwhichthepremisesappropriatedshall,inwholeorinpart,besituated.”

EnlargedCanal:EmpireLock,FortHunter,NY

RevisedStatute(1827)Chapter9Title9Article3

• Section52• “Thefeesimpleofallpremisessoappropriated,inrelationtowhich,suchestimateandappraisementshallhavebeenmadeandrecorded,shallbevestedinthepeopleofthisstate.”

EnlargedCanal:EmpireLock#29(1835)

DoubleLocks,firstEnlargementoftheCanalc.1830-1860

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AcquisitionsundertheModernCanalLaw

• CanalLawArticle5:AcquisitionofPropertyfortheCanalSystem• § 40.Acquisitionofproperty• 1.Theacquisitionofpropertynecessaryforpurposesoftheimprovement,use,maintenance,control,managementorrepairofthecanalsystem,shallbepursuanttotheprovisionsoftheeminentdomainprocedurelaw bythecorporationorbythecommissioneroftransportationattherequestofthecorporation.

AcquisitionsundertheModernCanalLaw

• CanalLaw§40(14)• Notwithstandinganyotherprovisionofthissection,thecorporationorthecommissioneroftransportationattherequestofthecorporationshallhavethepowertoacquirebygrantorpurchase,inthenameofthepeopleofthestateofNewYork,anypropertywhichheorthecorporationdeemsnecessaryforanyofthepurposesprovidedforinthissection,andpaymenttherefor,ifany,shallbemadeinthemannerprescribedinthissectionforthepaymentofadjustedappropriationclaims,provided,however,thatnorealpropertyshallbesoacquiredunlessthetitletheretoshallbeapprovedbytheattorneygeneral.

CanalMaps

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Chapter9oftheLawsof1825

• AnActforreprintingtheLawsandotherOfficialDocumentsrelatingtotheErieandChamplainCanals• SectionII• “Anditbefurtherenacted,Thatitshallbelawfulforthejointcommitteeoncanals,onbeingfurnishedbythecanalcommissionerswithcorrectmaps(delineatingtheroutesoftheErieandChamplaincanalsanddesignatingthelandsthroughwhichtheypasswhetherbelongingtoorconveyedbyindividualstothestate,orwhichdamageshavebeenoraretoappraised)todirectthesecretaryofthestatetoprocurethesametobeengraved.”

Chapter9oftheLawsof1825

• SectionIVrequiredcopiestobeprovidedto:

• TheGovernor• TheLt.Governor• TheClerkofeveryCounty• TheSenate• TheAssembly• TheStateLibrary• Restofthecopiestobedistributedtothecommissionersofthecanalfundtobedistributedastheydeemedproper

GeddesMapsof1817

• DescriptionfromtheStateArchives:• ThismapandprofileininkandwatercoloroftheproposedroutefortheErieCanalwasmadebyJamesGeddesin1817.Geddeswasappointedengineerinchargeofthesurveybythecommissionersappointedunderlegislationof1816(Chapter237).Hewasinstructedtosurveyandmaparouteforthecanalwhich,westoftheGeneseeRiver,wassomewhattothenorthoftheroutehehadsurveyedin1808.• Onascaleof10chains=1inch,themapshowsproposedlineofthecanal(ingreen);roads;houses;mills;settlements;streams,ponds,andlakes;steepterrain;swampsandmarshes;townandlotlines;andotherfeaturesadjacenttothecanalroute.

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RevisedStatutes(1827)Chapter9Title9Article1• FIRSTCANALLAWREQUIRINGMAPS• Section4• “Acompletemanuscriptmapandfieldnotes,ofeverycanalthatnowis,orhereaftershallbecompleted,andofallthelandsbelongingtothestateadjacenttheretoorconnectedtherewithshallbemade,onwhichtheboundariesoftheeveryparcelofsuchlands,towhichthestateshallhaveaseparatetitle,shallbedesignatedandthenamesoftheformerownersandthedateofeachtitlebeentered…”

RevisedStatutes(1827)Chapter9Title9Article1• Section5• Everysuchmapshallbecompliedbythecanalcommissioners,whoshall,forthatpurposecauseallnecessarysurveystobemade,whenprepared,itshallbesubmittedtothecanalboardforitsapprobation,andwhensoapprovedshallbesignedbythecanalcommissioners,becertifiedbythemascorrect,andbefiledintheofficeofthecomptroller.

RevisedStatutes(1827)Chapter9Title9Article1• Section6requiredthatacopyofthemaps,fieldbooksandnotesofthesurveysbetransmittedandfiledinthecountyclerk’sofficeofeverycountythecanalintersected

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RevisedStatutes(1827)Chapter9Title9Article1• Section7• Atranscriptfromtheoriginalmap,orfromacopythereof,certifiedascorrect,bytheofficewithwhomsuchmaporcopyshallbefiled,shallbereceivedaspresumptiveevidence,inalljudicialandlegalproceedings.

Chapter451oftheLawsof1837

• Section6• Theoriginalmapsofthecanalsofthisstate,whichpurporttohavebeenmadeandcompletedunderaninvirtueofthefirstarticleoftitleninechapternineofthefirstpartoftheRevisedStatutes;whichsaidmapsarenowfiledintheofficeofthecomptroller;andsuchmapsofsaidcanalsashereaftershallbemade,completed,approved,signed,certifiedandfiledunderandinvirtueoftheactreferredto,areherebydeclaredtobepresumptiveevidencethatthelandsindicatedonsaidmapsasbelongingtothestate,havebeentakenandappropriatedbythestateasandforthecanals;andatranscriptfromanysuchmaps,certifiedasrequiredbytheactreferredto,shallbeofequaleffectwiththeoriginal.

HolmesHutchinsonMapsof1832-1843

• FulfillthemandateofChapter9Title9oftheRevisedStatutes&Chapter451oftheLawsof1837

• ShowstheEriecanalbyeverycounty,includingroads,municipalboundaries,buildings,waterways,bridgesandlandowners• Ink,washandcharcoalmaps• Sized18x26inches• RedLineshowsmetesandboundsoftheinneredgeofthetowpath• Bluelineshowsstateownership

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HolmesHutchinsonMapsof1832-1843

HHMaps:ExplanatoryRemarks

• Theredline,describedalongtheinneredgeofthetowingpath,isthelineuponwhichallthemeasurementsinthedirectionofthelengthofthecanalweremade.— …• Thespaceenclosedbythebluelinesrepresentstheportionembracedwithinthelimitsofthesurveyasbelongingtothestate,andthenamesoftheadjoiningproprietorsgivenastheystoodatthetimeofexecutingthesurvey.Thedistancesareprojecteduponascaleoftwochainstotheinch.

HHMaps:ExplanatoryRemarks

• “thestateclaimsbeyondthebluelines,sofaraswillenableit,inallcases,torepair,maintainanddefend,itsworks: Claimingasofright,inallplaces,notonlythatwhichmaystrictlybeconsideredthecanal,buteverythingfairlyconnectedwithitssafety,beneficialuseandenjoyment.”

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HolmesHutchinsonMapsof1832-1843

• NYSArchiveshomepage• http://www.archives.nysed.gov/aindex.shtml

• Click“Images,AudioandVideo”fromleftmenu• Click“Transportation”fromtopmenuorscrolldown• Click“NewYorkStateCanalSystem1827-1925”• Click“HolmesHutchinsonSurveyMaps1832-1843”• Clickonanyofthefollowing:ErieCanal,ChamplainCanal,ErieandChamplainCanalFeeders,CrookedLakeCanal,CayugaandSenecaCanalorChenangoCanal

Chapter338Laws1894

• Section4• Mapsandfield-notes---Thereshallbekeptonfileintheofficeofthestateengineercompletemanuscriptmapsandfield-notesofeverycanalnoworhereaftertobebuiltandofallthelandsbelongingtothestateadjacenttheretoorconnectedtherewith,inwhichtheboundariesofeveryparceloflandtowhichthestateshallhaveaseparatetitle,shallbedesignated,andthenamesoftheformerownersandthedateofeachtitleentered...• Allsuchmapsandfield- notesapprovedbythecanalboardorcanalcommissionersorcertifiedbysuchboardorcommissionersorbythestateengineertobecorrect,shallbepresumptiveevidenceofthetruthofthefactsthereinstatedandoftheownershipbythestateofthelandsthereindescribed.

Chapter338Lawsof1894

• Section5• RequirescertifiedcopiesoftheMapsandFieldNotestobefiledintheCountyClerk’sofficeasrelatetocanallandswithinthecounty• Thesecopiesweretohavethesameforceandeffectastheoriginals.

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Schillner FieldBook@PortByron

Schillner Mapsof1896

B0253.BargeCanalsectionalmaps("Schillner Maps"),ca.1896.ca.132cu.ft.(71maps)DescriptionFromStateArchives

• Thisseriesconsistsof71manuscriptmapsdepictinglandalongtheErie,Champlain,andOswegocanalsacquiredbytheStateforcanalpurposesupto1896.

Schillner Mapsof1896

• EachsectionalmapprovidesdetailedinformationonState-ownedproperty,depictedastheareabetweentwosolidbluelines.

• Themapsareespeciallyimportantbecausetheyshow,withindottedbluelines,thelocationsofthe1825canalalignmentandtherelatedstructureswhichhadsincebeenobliterated,suchaslocks,slips,dams,bridges,androads.

• Inadditiontheyshowcity,townandcountylines;streams,rivers,bodiesofwaterandislands;propertylines,alongwithnamesofownersandsometimesacreageofland;andstreets,railroadlines,businessesandciviclandmarks(icecompanies,mills,cemeteries,etc.).

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Schillner Mapsof1896

Noscaleisgiven,butfiguresmarkcanalfrontageandsurveymeasurementsbynumberofchains(1chain=66feet).”

Schillner Maps

• Thesemapsarenotpresumptiveevidenceofthestate’sownershipbecausetheywerenotapprovedbythecanalboardorthecanalcommissioners,norcertifiedbytheboard,commissionersorthestateengineer.

• MayconstituteancientrecordswhichareprimafacieevidenceoftheircontentspursuanttoCPLRRule4522solongastheyhavebeenonfileinthestateortheregisterofanycountyanycountyclerk,anycourtofrecordoranydepartmentofthecityofNewYorkformorethan10years

Chap147Laws1903

• Lawsof1903,Chapter147.• Section4• EmpowerstheStateEngineertotakepropertyneededfortheBargecanalimprovementsfortheErie,OswegoandChamplainCanals

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Chap147Laws1903

• Mappingofthelandsappropriatedwasrequired• “…Anaccuratesurveyandmapofallsuchlandsshallbemadebythestateengineerwhoshallannextheretohiscertificatethatsurveythelandsthereindescribedhavebeenappropriatedfortheuseofthecanalsofthestate.Suchmap,surveyandcertificateshallbe.filedintheofficeofthestateengineer,andaduplicatecopythereof,dulycertifiedbythestateengineertobesuchduplicatecopyshallalsobefiledintheofficeofthesuperintendentofpublicworks…”

Chapter147Laws1903

• Thecourtofclaimsshallhavejurisdictiontodeterminetheamountofcompensationforlands,structuresandwaterssoappropriated.

• Theworktoimprovethecanalwasbycontract

• “…Beforeanysuchcontractshallbemadethestateengineershalldividethewholeworkintosuchsectionsorportionsasmaybedeemedforthebestinterestsofthestateincontractingforthesame,andshallmakemaps,plansandspecificationsfortheworktobedoneandmaterialsfurnishedforeachofthesectionsintowhichsaidworkisdivided…”

Chap391Laws1909

• AuthorizedtheBargeCanalImprovementoftheCayugaandSenecaCanals• Section4• BasicallysaysallrequirementssetforthinChapter147oftheLawsof1903fortheErieCanal,OswegoCanalandtheChamplainCanalapplytotheimprovementoftheCayugaandSenecaCanals

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Chap746Laws1911

• AuthoritytoappropriatelandsfortheBargeCanalTerminals• Section8• Requiresaccuratesurveysandmapsofalllands,structuresandwatersforBargeCanalTerminals• StateEngineerhastocertifyonthemapthatthelandsarenecessaryfortheBargeCanalTerminals• Statetopursuepurchaseifpossibleratherthantousecondemnationpower

ResidencyMaps

ResidencyMaps

• AcompilationoftheparcelsappropriatedfortheconstructionoftheBargeCanalorwhatiscalledtodaytheNewYorkStateCanalSystem• Theyalsoshowthelocationofthechannel,structuresandterminalsalongtheSystem.

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Chapter199oftheLawsof1910

• AnActtoprovideforthemappingofcertaincanallandsandthelandsadjacenttheretobelongingtothestate,andmakingappropriationtherefor.• Section1.Thestateengineerandsurveyorisherebydirectedtomakethenecessarysurveys,fieldnotesandmanuscriptmapsofallsuchportionsoftheErie,OswegoandChamplaincanalsthatarenotwithinthelinesoftheimprovedErie,OswegoandChamplaincanals,andofallthelandsbelongingtothestateadjacenttheretoorconnectedtherewithonwhichtheboundarylineor“blueline”ofanyparcelofsuchlandtowhichthestateshallhaveaseparatetitleshallbedesignated,togetherwiththenamesofadjoininglandowners.

Chapter199oftheLawsof1910

• Section2• Everysuchmapwhencompletedshallbesubmittedtothecanalboardforitsapprovalandwhensoapprovedshallbesignedbythemembersofthecanalboard,becertifiedbythemascorrectandfiledintheofficeoftheComptroller.

Chapter199oftheLawsof1910

• Section3• Atranscriptoftheoriginalmaporfromacopythereof,certifiedascorrect,bythecomptrollerorbythestateengineerandsurveyorshallbereceivedaspresumptiveevidenceinalllegalorjudicialproceedings.

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BlueLineMaps

BlueLineMaps

• TheBlueLineMapsbasicallyshowtheStateLandsthatareassociatedwiththeOldCanalindependentofthestatelandsappropriatedfortheBargeCanal.TheBlueLineMapsaredeemedpresumptiveevidenceofthestate’stitletolandswithintheblueline

BlueLineMaps“Methods”

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ModernCanalLawMaps

• CanalLaw§24• Makingandrecordingmaps.• Thereshallbekeptonfileintheofficeofthecorporationcompletemapsofeverycanalnoworhereaftertobebuiltonwhichtheboundariesofeveryparceloflandtowhichthestateshallhaveaseparatetitleshallbedesignatedandthenamesoftheformerowneranddateofeachtitleentered.Allsuchmapsheretoforeapprovedbythecommissioneroftransportationorthecorporation,orcertifiedbysuchcommissioner,corporationorbythestateengineerorhereafterapprovedbythecorporationtobecorrect,shallbepresumptiveevidenceofthetruthofthefactsthereinstatedandoftheownershipbythestateofthelandsthereindescribed….

ModernCanalLawMaps

• CanalLaw§24• OriginalMaponfilewiththeCorporation• CertifiedCopyonfilewiththeDepartmentofState• Thoseonfileinthecountyclerk’sofficeareevidenceofthestate’stitle• ThesearetheResidencyMaps

ModernCanalLawMaps

• CanalLaw§25.Makingandrecordingof"BlueLine"maps.• ThecommissioneroftransportationshallcausethepreparationofmapsoftheErie,Oswego,ChamplainandtheCayugaandSenecacanalsastheyexistedpriortoandindependentoflandsappropriatedforbargecanalpurposesandofalllandsbelongingtothestateadjacenttheretoorconnectedtherewith,andthereshallbedesignatedonsuchmapstheboundariesofthelandstowhichthestateholdstitle,andsofaraspossiblethenamesoftheownersoftheadjoininglands….

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ModernCanalLawMaps

• CanalLaw§25Continued• …Everymapwhencompletedshallbeapprovedandcertifiedtoascorrectbythecommissioneroftransportationandbecertifiedtoascorrectbythechiefengineer….

ModernCanalLawMaps

• Eachofsaidmapssofiledshallberegardedasanoriginalcopy.Ablueorwhiteprintcopyofsuchmaporportionofsuchmapormapsasrelatedorappliestoanyparticularcountyofthestateshallbetransmittedtoandfiledintheofficeoftheclerkofsuchcounty,orintheofficeinsuchcountywhereinconveyancesarerequiredbylawtoberecordedandsuchfilingshallconstituteanoticetoallpersonsofthestate'stitletoandownershipofsaidlands.• Atranscriptofsuchmapscertifiedascorrectbytheofficerwithwhomsuchmapormapsshallbefiledshallbereceivedaspresumptiveevidenceofthestate'stitletothecanallandsasofthedatedesignatedonsuchmapsinalljudicialorlegalproceedings.

PresumptiveEvidenceRule

• Afact[evidence]whichmustbereceivedandtreatedastrueandsufficientuntilandunlessrebuttedbyotherevidence• Presumptiveevidenceisnotconclusiveandmaybeexplainedorcontradicted• Theeffectofthepresumptionistoplacetheburdenontheadversarytocomeforwardwithevidencetorebutthepresumption;• Inordertoovercomethepresumption,theadversarymustproduce"substantial"evidencetothecontrary.

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PresumptiveEvidenceRule:Millerv.State• Millerv.State,164A.D.522(3dDept.1911)aff’d 223N.Y.690(1918)• ControversyoverboundarylineofpropertyalongtheTonawandacreek.• MillersclaimedthattheHolmesHutchinsonMapsdidnotshowthatthepropertyinquestionhadbeenappropriatedbythestate.

PresumptiveEvidenceRule:Millerv.State

• “Inconnectionwiththesemaps,andasapartofthem,thereisawrittennotewhichprovidesthat"Whereanystreamorpondisonthesamelevelwiththewatersofthecanalandthenavigationisconductedinsuchstreamorpond,thestreamorpondisincludedinthecanaltothehigh-watermarkofthestreamwithabermbankoneachsideoffifteenlinkswherenotowingpathisdesignatedonthemap."• RESULT:LandsoutsidethebluelinescanstillbeStateLands

PresumptiveEvidence:Millerv.State• TheStatealsointroducedthefieldnotes,whichthecourtcorrectlydidnotgivethepresumptionaffordedtheofficialmaps,buttheystillconstitutedcompetentproofoftheState’sappropriationoftheCreek.

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PresumptiveEvidenceHolmesHutchinsonMaps

PresumptiveEvidenceRule

Rexfordv.Knight,11N.Y.308(1854)Toprovehisowntitle,thedefendant(Knight)producedmapsofaportionoftheEriecanalasoriginallyconstructed,andofthesameportionasenlarged,

Thesemapswerenotinanywayauthenticated,astheoriginal,orcopiesofanymapsmadebystatutepresumptiveevidence.

Howeverdefendantprovedbyotherevidence,thatsincetheperiodoftheCanal’sEnlargementthepremiseshadbeenusedandoccupiedbyhim(adversepossession).

PresumptiveEvidence

• Carpenterv.CityofCohoes,81N.Y.21(1880).• Plaintiff’shorsefelldownabankleadingtoachangebridgeusedforthepassageofdrafthorsesfromonesideofthecanaltotheother• Thebridgeanditsapproacheswerealsousedbythepublicasahighwayacrossthecanal,incontinuationandaspartofaroadknownastheBoght road.• TheCitydemonstratedwithaStateCanalMapthattheState,nottheCityownedthepropertywheretheaccidentoccurred.• “Thismapwasundertheprovisionsoftheactof1837,chapter451,section6,primafacieevidenceofthetitleoftheState.”

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ModernCanalLaw

Chapter766oftheLawsof1992

• “AnActtoamendthecanallaw,thepublicauthoritieslawandthestatefinancelawinrelationtoexpandingthepowersanddutiesoftheNewYorkStateThruwayAuthority,transferringjurisdictionovertheNewYorkStatecanalsystemtothethruwayauthority,creatingtheNewYorkStatecanalrecreationway commission,andcreatingaNewYorkStatecanalsystemdevelopmentfundandtorepealcertainprovisionsofthecanallawandthepublicauthoritieslawinrelationthereto.”

PublicAuthoritiesLaw§382

• § 382.Canalcorporation• 1.Thereisherebycreatedapublicbenefitcorporationknownasthe"NewYorkstatecanalcorporation"(hereinafterreferredtoasthe"canalcorporation")asasubsidiarycorporationoftheauthority.Thecanalcorporationissolelycreatedto,andshallhaveonlythepowerto,operate,maintain,construct,reconstruct,improve,develop,finance,andpromotetheNewYorkStatecanalsystem….

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PublicAuthoritiesLaw§382

• Section7.Thecanalcorporationshallhavethepowerto:• (a)operate,maintain,construct,reconstruct,improve,develop,finance,andpromotetheNewYorkstatecanalsystemasdefinedinthecanallaw;…• (n)enteronanylands,waters,orpremisesforthepurposeofmakingborings,soundings,andsurveys;…

PublicAuthoritiesLaw§382

• Section9• PermitscanallandsnotneededforcanalpurposeswithintheAdirondackstobetransferredtotheDEC

NYSCanalLaw

• Organizedinto14Articleswithapproximately142Sections(seehandoutfortitlesoftheArticles)• OfinteresttosurveyorsaretheArticlesentitled:• Article1:ShortTitleandDefinitions(seehandouts)• Article3.CanalEngineering.Sections23,24&25(mappingrequirements,seehandout)• Article5.AcquisitionofPropertyfortheCanal• Article6.AbandonmentofCanalLands(nextsection)• Article7.BridgesandHighways• Article10:Permits

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CanalLawArticle1:Shorttitleanddefinitions

• 1."NewYorkStateCanalSystem","CanalSystem"or"BargeCanalSystem"shalleachmeanallthecanals,canallands,feedercanals,reservoirs,canalterminalsandcanalterminallandsofthestateashereinafterdefined.Allgeneralreferenceshereinto"canal"shallbedeemedtomeantheNewYorkstatecanalsystem.• 2."Canals"shallmeanthechannelandadjacentstate-ownedbanksoftheinlandwaterwaysofthestateconstructed,improved,ordesignatedbyauthorityofthelegislatureascanalsandshallincludecanalizedriversandlakes,canalwatersupplyreservoirs,canalwatersupplyfeederchannelsandallappertainingstructuresnecessaryforthepropermaintenanceandoperationofthecanals.

CanalLawArticle1:Shorttitleanddefinitions

• 4."ErieCanal"shallmeantheportionofthecanalsystemconnectingtheHudsonriveratAlbanywiththeNiagarariveratBuffalo,andforthepurposesofarticlethirteen-Aofthischapterandsectionninety-two-u ofthestatefinancelawandsubdivisiontenofsectionthreehundredfifty-oneofthepublicauthoritieslaw,shallbedeemedtoincludethehistoricErieCanalanditswesternterminusinthecityofBuffaloandhistoriclocknumber1inthecityofAlbany.

CanalLawArticle1:Shorttitleanddefinitions

• 8."CanalLands"shallmeanalllandsandwatersformingapartofthecanalsystemtitletowhichwasoriginallyvestedinthestate,acquiredbythestateorwhichmayinthefuturebeacquiredbythestateforcanalpurposes.

• 9."BlueLine"shallmeantheboundaryofcanallandsownedbythestateprevioustotheapprovalofchapteronehundredforty-seven,lawsofnineteenhundredthree.

• 10."OldCanalLands"shallmeancanallandslyingwithintheblueline.

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Article3:CanalEngineering

• § 23.Recordofmeasurements• Thecorporationshallrequireeveryengineeremployedoncanalengineeringtoenterinpermanentfieldbooksacompleterecordofallsurveys,fieldmeasurementsandconstructionnotes.Thesebooksshallbefiledinthecorporationandshallbeavailableforpublicinspectionundersuchconditionsasthecorporationmayestablish.• §24.Makingandrecordingmaps.(ResidencyMaps)• §25.Makingandrecordingof"BlueLine"maps.

Article5:AcquisitionofPropertyfortheCanal

• § 40.Acquisitionofproperty• Subsection1:corporation’senablingpowertouseeminentdomainforcanalpurposes• Subsection2:allowseitherfeeoreasementinteresttobetakenpursuanttoanacquisitionmap(EDPL)

CanalLawArticle5Section40

• Subsection17:allowsthetakingofatemporaryeasementoreasementthatexpiresupontheoccurrenceofaneventorelapseoftime• Atthetimeofexpirationoftheeasementthecorporationhastocreateacertificateinthenatureofareleaseoftheeasementthatextinguishestheeasement• ThatcertificatemustbesenttoDOSwhonotifiesthelandownersviaacopycertifiedbytheattorneygeneral,and• Thecertificateisalsoisfiledinthelandtitlerecordsofthecounty

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CanalLawArticle5

• Section42.Removalofencroachments• Corporationisauthorizedtoremoveencroachmentsfromcanallandsiftheencroachmentsareinterferingwiththecanal’soperation• upon30daysnoticetotheencroacherstovoluntarilyremovetheencroachment• Iftheencroachmentisnotremoved,thestatecanremoveitwithoutliability

BlackRiverCanalLockatRome,1920

CanalLawArticle5

• § 43.Exchangeofproperty• Ratherthanpaying$$toappropriatelandsthecorporationisauthorizedtoexchangeunnecessarycanallandsforlandsneededforthecanal• Propertyacquiredhastohaveequalvaluetothepropertyexchanged• Corporationcanenteranagreementwiththelandownertoexchangeproperty• Propertytobeexchangedhastofirstbedeclaredtobeabandoned

CanalLawArticle5Section43

• AbandonmenthastobeapprovedbytheAttorneyGeneralpursuanttosection50• Corporationisallowedtoexecuteaquitclaimdeed• DeedhastobefiledattheDOSbeforeCo.Clerk• Whenlandsappropriatedexceedthevalueoflandsexchanged,thereshallbeanadjustmentandpaymentwillbemadeaccordingtosection41

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CanalLawArticle7:BridgesandHighways

• § 60.Alterationofcountyroadsortownhighways• CommissionerofTransportationcanelecttomovehighwaysthatinterferewiththeCanal,bydiscontinuingthehighwayintheTownorCountypursuanttotheHighwayLaw• ThentheCommissionerhastofilethedescriptionofthenewroadintheTownorCounty• Discontinuanceoftheoldhighwaycannotoccuruntilthenewhighwayisopened

CanalLawArticle7:BridgesandHighways

• § 62.Maintenancebystateofcertainbridgesoverthecanalsystem• § 63.Maintenancebystateofalterationtocertainhighwaybridgesnotstateowned• § 64.Commutationforbridges• Thecommissioneroftransportationmaycommutewithownersandclaimantsofbridgesoveranycanal,bypayingsuchownerorclaimantsuchsuminlieuofabridgeasmaybeagreedonbetweentheclaimantandthecommissioneroftransportation.

CanalLawArticle7BridgesandHighways

• § 65.Privateroadinlieuoffarmbridges• Ifthecommissioneroftransportationcannotagreewiththeownerofafarmbridgespanningacanalastotheamountofcommutationinanycasewhereheisoftheopinionthatthestateshoulderectsuchbridge,andthecommissioneroftransportationdeterminesthataprivateroadthroughadjoininglandswillsufficientlyaccommodatesuchowner….hemaytakethenecessaryactiontolayoutaprivateroadfortheaccommodationoftheowner,inthemannerprescribedbylawforlayingoutprivateroadsandpaytotheownerofthelandsthroughwhichthesameislaidout,thedamagesassessed.

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CanalLawArticle7:BridgesandHighways

• § 66.Restrictionsontheconstructionoffarmandroadbridges• § 67.Constructionofbridgesbymunicipalcorporations• § 68.Bridgesspanningcanalchannels(cannotinterferewithnavigationonthecanal)• § 69.Damagescausedbyexcessiveloads• § 69-a.Changesinbridgesandhighwaysonorovercanalsandcanallands

CanalLawArticle10:Permits

• § 100.Grantingrevocablepermits• TypesofPermits

• TemporaryuseofCanalLands(solongasdoesnotinterferewithcanalnavigation/purposes)

• TouseCanalStructures• Todivertcanalwatersforsanitary,farmpurposes,orindustrialuse

• tocut,gatherandhaulawayicefromthecanals

• Forstorageatcanalterminals

CanalLawArticle10:Permits

• § 101.Railroadsoperatingovercanals• § 102.Pipelinescrossingcanals• § 103.Tollsforlockandliftbridgepassagebyvesselsanduseoflocksandliftbridges• § 104.Useofdrydocksforrepairs Thisphotographshowspeoplewaitingtotakea

tripontheErieCanalinAuriesville NY,1890.Trainswerebeginningtoreplacecanalsasthepreferredmethodoftransportinggoods.ButatripdowntheErieCanalwasalwaysfun,afinethingtodoonabeautifulsummerafternoon.

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AbandonmentofCanalLands

1821ConstitutionalProhibition

• In1821NYSAmendeditsconstitutiontoprohibitthedispositionofStateownedCanalLands• "thelegislatureshallneversellordisposeof***thesaidnavigablecommunicationsoranypartorsectionthereof,butthesameshallbeandremainthepropertyofthestateforever."• IntheConstitutionof1846,thesameprovisionwasembodiedinsectionsixofarticleseven• Syracusev.Sweet,129N.Y.316(1891)

1894ConstitutionalAmendment

• Addedanexceptiontotheprohibitionofdisposingofcanallandstothosethatwerenolongerusefulornecessaryforcanalpurposes

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NYSConstitutionToday

• TheLegislatureisstillProhibitedfromselling,abandoningorotherwisedisposingofcanallands• Article15Section1oftheNYSConstitution

• EXCEPTthoselandswhichwerenolongerusefulornecessaryforcanalpurposes• Article15Section2oftheNYSConstitution

LegislativeAction

• CanalLandshadtobeabandonedbyLegislativeAct• Theywereusuallyconveyedto• Railroadsà

• Chapter143oftheLawsof1878“AnActrelatingtothedispositionoftheprismandbanksoftheCrookedLakeCanal”tothePennYanandNewYorkRR

• Citiesà• Chapter391oftheLawsof1878“AnActauthorizingthecityofBinghamtontouseaportionoftheChenangocanalforapublicstreet”

LegislativeAction

• ORSOLD• Chapter344oftheLawsof1878“AnActtoamendchapterfourhundredandseventy-seven,entitled“AnActtoprovideforthedispositionandsaleofcertainlateralcanalsofthisstate,andthelands,rightsandotherpropertyconnectedtherewith.”• AdvertiseandselltheCrookedLakeCanal,itsappurtenancesandwaterprivilegesconnected

therewith• AdvertiseandsellthatportionoftheChenangocanaldescribedinsection2oftheact• AlsotheChemungCanalanditsfeeders,branchesappurtenancesandwaterprivileges(water

rightstoreverttooriginalownersortheirsuccessors)• Afterthecloseofnavigationin1878,advertiseandselltheGeneseeValleyCanal,itsfeeders,

branchesandappurtenancesandwaterprivileges

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LegislativeAction

• Chapter344oftheLawsof1878continued:• Citesandvillageshadtherightandoptiontopurchasecanallandsforonequarteroftheirassessedvalue

LegislativeAction

• SometimestheLegislatureauthorizedthecanalboardtodisposeofabandonedcanallands

Chapter50oftheLawsof1909

• Thecommissionerofgeneralservicesmaysellandconveyatpublicorprivatesaletheright,titleandinterestofthestateinandtoanyrealproperty,acquiredforcanalpurposes,whichthecommissioneroftransportationmaydeterminetohavebeenabandonedforsuchpurposes,orastowhichadeterminationofabandonmentshallhavebeenheretoforemadepursuanttolaw.• PublicLandsLawARTICLE4.ABANDONEDCANALLANDSANDSTRUCTURES.Section50Saleofabandonedcanallands

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CanalLawSection50

• In1992theCanalCorporationwasgivenauthoritytoabandonCanalLands• § 50.Authoritytoabandoncanallands• 1.Authorityisherebyconferreduponthecorporationtoabandonanyportionofbargecanallands,bargecanalterminallands,oroldcanallandsandappertainingstructuresconstitutingthecanalsystempriortothebargecanalimprovement,whichhaveormaybecomenolongernecessaryorusefulasapartofthebargecanalsystem,asanaidtonavigationthereon,orforbargecanalterminalpurposes.

CanalLawSection50:Authoritytoabandoncanallands• Thisauthority,however,shallnotincludetheabandonmentofabargecanalterminalunlesssuchterminalhasbeenbyaspecialactofthelegislaturepreviouslydeterminedtohavebecomenolongernecessaryorusefulasapartofthebargecanalsystem,asanaidtonavigationthereon,orforbargecanalterminalpurposes.

CanalLawSection51:MethodtoAbandonCanalLands• PriortoabandonmenttheCorporationhastopublishnoticesinnewspapers1xaweekfor3weeksoftheproposedabandonment• “Suchnoticeshalldescribethelandsproposedtobeabandonedwithsufficientcertaintytoidentifythemandinviteinterestedpartiestofilewrittenstatementseithersupportingoropposingtheproposedabandonment.”• Iftheassessmentforsuchlandsproposedforabandonmentisequaltoorgreaterthanfiftythousanddollars,thecorporationshallholdahearing

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CanalLawSection51:MethodtoAbandonCanalLands• Then,the“corporationmayinitsdiscretiondeclaresuchlandsabandonedforthepurposesofthecanalsystem.• Thecorporationshallthereuponissueanofficialorderabandoningthelandsforcanalpurposestogetherwithamapanddescriptionofthelandsabandonedanddisposeofanyportionofcanallandssoabandoned.• Anymoneyrealizedfromthesaleofsuchlandshallbedepositedintothecanalfund.”

QuestionsonCanalAbandonment

• AllquestionsshouldbedirectedtotheLandRecordContactsoftheCanalCorp.attheirrespectiveDivisions• Albany• Syracuse• Buffalo

• IftheDivisionisunabletohelpyouthencontactDivisionheadquartersinAlbany

CanalAbandonmentProcedure

• FileApplicationrequestingabandonment• Adeterminationismadewhetherthelandsareneededforcanalpurposes/maintenance• App.thensenttotheCanalRecreationalCommissionasanadvisoryboardtogettheirapprovaloftheproposedabandonment• Landmustbesurveyed,standardsforthemapsarethroughtheSeniorLandSurveyor,hemeetsyouinthefield• Surveyiscompleted

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CanalAbandonmentProcedure

• Appraisalofthepropertyisconducted,Corp.hiresappraiser,applicantpays• Thevalueittakentotheboardtocertifythevalue• Applicantistoldtheprice• ThentheapplicationgoestotheOfficeofRealPropertyMgmtforclosingorauction• ProcedureisonCanalCorp.websiteunder• Doingbusiness• RealProperty• BasicsofSalesandPermits

EffectofAbandonment

• NYShassovereignimmunityfromAdversePossessionorPrescriptiveeasementclaimswhenitholdspropertyforapublicorgovernmentalpurpose• However,thatimmunityislostwhenthestateholdspropertyinaproprietarycapacity.• Ifcanallandsareabandoned,theycanbeadverselypossessedandprescriptiveeasementscanbeacquiredagainstthestate.

EffectofAbandonment

• Montfortv.Benedict,199A.D.2d923(3dDept.1993).• “…in1981thelandsweredeclaredtohavebeenabandonedforcanalpurposes(L1981,ch 741).Withoutanyothersovereignorpublicpurpose(see,StateofNewYorkv Case,86Misc2d43,381N.Y.S.2d210),suchabandonedpropertywouldbeheldinaproprietarycapacity.

• WhentheBlueLinelandinquestion wasabandoned,therenolongerexistedastatutoryprohibitiontoalienability;aprescriptiveeasementbyadverseusebecamelegallypossibleatthattime.

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SourcesofInformationCanalCorpNYSArchivesNYSLibraryMuseums

TheEnd SpecialThanksto:uGarretO’Connor,PLS,SeniorLandSurveyor,NYSCanalCorp.uCraigWilliams,CuratorofHistory,NewYorkStateMuseumBibliography:uWeddingoftheWaters,TheErieCanalandtheMakingofaGreatNationbyPeterBernsteinuTheArtificialRiver:TheErieCanalandtheParadoxofProgress,1817-1862byCarolSheriff