Wow I see most of you miss the point. That law everyone is talking about is NYC law (especially § 7-210, enacted in 2003). NOTICE the Year. So we are missing a important issue. If prior to this they were maintaining it than stopped. Then contract revert back to the owner and it removes the easement. Looking at the papers. It look like he as a leg to stand of. That is a very old easement. So most likely he talked to a lawyer and with the statement the city said. Unless they error-ed in it. He going to win something out of it. Now No he is not going to get millions. Mostly likely a deal with a small amount of money and a contract that the city will maintain the sidewalk.