N.Y. Railroad Law § 173-e

§ 173-e. The acceptance of a terminable permit, or the acceptance of\nan amendment to any existing license, grant, franchise, permit or\nconsent incorporating therein the terms of a terminable permit, shall\nconstitute a consent by the street surface railroad corporation or\ncorporations, or other person, firm or corporation so accepting the same\nto the purchase by the city, town or village of all or any part of the\nstreet surface railroad property, plant and equipment actually used and\nuseful for the public and situated within the corporate limits of the\ncity, town or village, as provided for in this article.\n