Lawrence School District eminent domain hearing moved to Feb. 3

The Lawrence School District Board of Education adjourned the Dec. 19 eminent domain hearing on 287 Mott Ave. in Inwood. Another hearing is expected to be scheduled for Feb. 3 at Lawrence High School, the same night a trustee meeting was already on the calendar.

Plans call for the creation of 14 parking spaces and the reconfiguration of recreational space at the Lawrence Primary School at the Number Two School campus that borders the house. Eminent domain is the right of a government or an agent acting for that government to annex private property for public use, with “just” compensation being paid to the owner.

According to the Nassau County Department of Assessment, the full market value of the house is $390,000. It was sold for $385,000 on Sept. 11, according to realtor.com. Property taxes for 2020 are listed as $4,279.09, according to the county. Al D’Agostino, the lawyer for the school district, said a limited liability company owns the property. The two-story, 1,072-square-foot house, built in 1920, is on a 5,652-square-foot lot, and is listed as having seven rooms, three bedrooms, one bathroom, and a detached garage according to multiple real estate websites. A family, said neighbors, currently occupy the house.

Based on county records the ownership of the house has been transferred three other times. Twice for zero dollars between relatives and in December 2003 it was purchased for $255,000. 

District residents can speak at the hearing or submit a written statement and other documents regarding the planned acquisition of the lot. Property owners who want to challenge the possible condemnation through judicial review, can do so only on the issues, facts and objections raised at a public hearing. After the hearing is held, the school district will have an appraiser value the property. A price is tendered and submitted to the court in what is called a vesting order.