N.Y. Canal Law § 42
The corporation is authorized to cause to be removed from canal property any building, part of a building or structure erected, placed, maintained or otherwise occupying such canal property, if, in its opinion, the removal is necessary for the improvement, use, maintenance, control, management, repair or operation of the canal system. It shall be the duty of any person owning or maintaining such a building, part of a building or structure to remove the same within thirty days from the service by the corporation upon said person of a notice ordering its removal. Upon the failure of the person so ordered to remove the building, part of a building or structure, the corporation may, without liability on the part of the state or the corporation, take whatever action it may deem necessary to cause the removal. Service of the order of removal must be personal if the person to be served can be found within the state. If the corporation shall not be able to serve such notice or cause the same to be served on the said person within the state after making a reasonable effort so to do, service may be made by attaching such notice to the said building, part of a building or structure.
N.Y. Canal Law § 42