John Jay Condemnation

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The John Jay Condemnation was unusually complex. In a condemnation proceeding to determine the value of the condemned property each side presents "comparables" (i.e. buildings or developments with similar characteristics as the condemned site).  With over 40 comparables to contrast and compare the ESC developed a non-biased, interactive database which both sides and the trial judge could use in court or in their offices. Each comparable’s information included: a 3D visualization of the comparable in its context, as-built floor area, zoning district, lot area, permitted uses, etc. Rather than thumbing through hundreds of pages of each side’s appraisal information, none of which was in the same format for an “apples and apples” comparison,  the user could look at a user selected group of comparables on a single monitor, as well as screen the comparables, for example by lot area, floor area, predominant use, and height. In addition, because the proposed mixed-use development of the condemned site was complex as a result of a 25 ft. elevation difference between the avenues, the ESC developed an interactive 3D model of the proposed development, which could be de-constructed floor by floor with information about each floor. Both attorneys and the Court found the database to be extremely effective and useful.