Case ID: misc_68/html/0513-01.html
Source: Caselaw Access Project
Author: {"author": "Putnam, J.", "license": "Public Domain", "url": "https://static.case.law/"}
Date Created: 2024-08-24T03:29:51.129683

Matter of the Application of the Imperial Building Company to Correct Error in an Assessment.
    (Supreme Court, Kings Special Term,
    August, 1910.)
    Eminent domain — Condemnation proceedings — Decree or order — Amendment — To correct clerical error — Laches.
    The court has power to amend, an order confirming the report of commissioners of estimate and assessment, in proceedings for the opening of a street in the borough of Brooklyn, so as to correct a clerical mistake; and, unlike an application to vacate or reduce assessments, speedy objection is not required, but the error should be corrected unless the applicant’s laches has prejudiced the city.
    Application to correct a clerical error in a sewer assessment. ■ '
    Charles S. Taber, for motion.
    Archibald R. Watson, Corporation Counsel (P. E. Callahan, of counsel), opposed.
   Putnam, J.

The petition shows a clear error by which the lot frontage of lot 20 on Seventy-seventh street was taken at 440 feet, instead of 340 feet, its actual front. As the assessment was based on $1.90 a lineal foot, the excess charged amounts to $190. The assessment was confirmed October 27, 1908. Certainly, where palpable error of this kind appears, the owner should have a remedy. Matter of Opening of Vandervoort Ave., 68 Misc. Rep. 510.

' Such a correction is not like a proceeding to vacate or reduce assessments. Where it is claimed that the assessment has been unduly increased by including improper charges, public policy requires speedy objection, so that the matter may be examined while all the evidence is still available. Hence, the city charter (§ 963) requires that a proceeding to vacate or reduce assessments must be taken within one year. An error like this, however, does not depend upon testimony of witnesses, but stands out on the face of the official map. It seems, therefore, just that such a palpable error should be corrected, unless the applicant’s laches may have prejudiced the city. In the present case, the sale of ■ part of the premises in May last led to the discovery of the error.

The application is, therefore, granted.

Application granted.