Newark v. Central R. Co., 267 U.S. 377 (1925)
Please note: this case begins in mid-page. It therefore shares a citation with the last page of the previous case. If you are attempting to follow a link to the last page of 267 U.S. 373, click here.
Newark v. Central Railroad Company of Jew Jersey
No. 351
Argued November 21, 24, 1924
Decided March 2, 1925
267 U.S. 377
APPEAL FROM THE CIRCUIT COURT OF APPEALS
FOR THE THIRD CIRCUIT
Syllabus
1. New Jersey, by empowering a railroad company to have as many tracks within its specified right of way as it might deem necessary, and to erect suitable bridges to accommodate them, including draw bridges over navigable waters crossed, impliedly consented that, in the maintenance and improvement of the railroad, a draw bridge over Newark Bay, originally constructed with two tracks, might be replaced by a better one accommodating four tracks upon substantially the same location. Ls.N.J. 1860, c. 64. P. 381.
2. Both state and federal governments having consented to this replacement, it is unnecessary to decide whether the acts of Congress and approval of the plans by the Chief of Engineers and Secretary of War would be sufficient without the consent of the state, or whether the legislation of Congress supersede the laws of the state respecting navigable waters wholly within New Jersey. P. 384.
3. The replacement in question as not within Ls.N.J. 1914, § 4, c. 123, as amended; requiring approval by the state Board of Commerce and Navigation of plans for waterfront development undertaken since the passage of that act. P. 385.
4. Nor was approval necessary by the Port of New York Authority, a body corporate and politic created by compact between New Jersey and New York with the consent of Congress. P. 386.
5. The fact that the railroad’s bridge was not included in the comprehensive plan for the development of the Port of New York (embracing Newark Bay), adopted pursuant to the said compact, does not make it unlawful or deprive the company of power to construct it. Id.
297 F. 77, 287 id. 196, affirmed.
Appeal from a decree of the Circuit Court of Appeal affirming a decree of the district court which dismissed a bill brought by the City of Newark to enjoin the Railroad Company from constructing a bridge over Newark Bay. Jersey City and the State of New Jersey intervened as complainants. The Port of New York Authority, a body politic established by compact for the development of the Port of New York District, including Newark Bay, was made a defendant and answered, leaving its duties in the matter to the decision of the court. The bill was dismissed on motion of the railroad upon the ground that it did not state a cause of action. The two cities and the state appealed.