Town of Orangetown v. Magee
New York Court of Appeals
665 N.E.2d 1061 (1996)
Relevant factsFree
The Magees (defendants) spent over $4 million on an industrial building project after obtaining a lawfully issued permit, but the town (plaintiff) revoked the permit and amended its zoning code to bar such construction after community members organized in opposition, with the trial court finding the revocation was motivated entirely by political considerations.
IssueFree
Whether municipalities that make decisions regarding land use and zoning may be liable for damages to landowners if such decisions are based on impermissible considerations and violate landowners' vested rights.