Stensrud v. Rochester Genesee Reg'l Transp. Auth.

DECISION AND ORDER INTRODUCTION Plaintiffs John R. Stensrud and Maria B. Stensrud (collectively “Plaintiffs”) seek monetary damages pursuant to 42 U.S.C. §1983 and New York State law based on defendant Rochester Genesee Regional Transportation Authority’s (“RGRTA” or “Defendant”) taking by eminent domain of property located at 36-38 Chamberlain Street in Rochester, New York (the “Property”). (Dkt. 58). Prior to the commencement of the instant action, Plaintiffs pursued a claim for additional compensation related to this taking in New York State Supreme Court, Monroe County (the “state trial court”). A bench trial was held in the state trial court on June 6, 2022, and on September 26, 2022, the state trial court issued a decision and order awarding Plaintiffs $509,000 as just compensation for the taking of the Property. (Dkt. 98-6). Defendant now moves for summary judgment on the basis of res judicata. (Dkt. 98). For the reasons that follow, Defendant’s motion is granted. BACKGROUND The following facts are taken from Defendant’s statement of material facts not in dispute (Dkt. 98-1), Plaintiffs’ response thereto (Dkt. 99-4), and the exhibits submitted by the parties. The Court has noted any relevant factual disputes. RGRTA is a New York public authority vested with the power of eminent domain by §1299-ii of the New York State Public Authorities Law. (Dkt. 98-1 at 1; Dkt 99-4 at 1). In 2013, RGRTA received final environmental approval and permission to proceed with its Main Street Campus Improvement Project (the “Project”). (Dkt. 98-1 at

2-3; Dkt. 99-4 at