By Gabriela Resto-Montero
DNAinfo Reporter/Producer
UPPER EAST SIDE — The MTA will hold a public hearing next week over its use of eminent domain to take over properties along the path of the Second Avenue Subway construction.
Residents of buildings on the 18 blocks between East 63rd and East 83rd Streets will have an opportunity to contest the MTA's claim of eminent domain, which allows the state to seize private property, at the hearing scheduled for April 20.
In March, the agency relocated residents of 16 buildings along Second Avenue while construction crews blasted underground tunnels for the train.
Businesses along the street have also dealt with street closures and decreased foot traffic as a result of the heavy construction in the area.
Some of the proposed takeovers are only temporary, but nine have been recommended for permanent acquisition, said MTA spokesman Kevin Ortiz.
The MTA also wants rights to the adjacent blocks of two of the properties in order to reserve the right to build there in the future.
The agency will make offers on the properties after the public hearing process finishes, Ortiz said.
The hearing will take place at 327 Madison Avenue at 6 p.m. on April 20.
