N.Y. TCP Law § 27

§ 27. Construction of lines. Any such corporation may erect, construct\nand maintain the necessary fixtures for its lines upon, over or under\nany of the public roads, streets and highways; and through, across or\nunder any of the waters within the limits of this state, and may erect,\nconstruct and maintain its necessary stations, plants, equipment or\nlines upon, through or over any other land, subject to the right of the\nowners thereof to full compensation for the same. If any such\ncorporation can not agree with such owner or owners upon the\ncompensation to be paid therefor, such compensation shall be ascertained\nin the manner provided in the eminent domain procedure law. Any such\ncorporation is authorized, from time to time, to construct and lay lines\nof electrical conductors under ground in any city, village or town\nwithin the limits of this state, subject to all the provisions of law in\nreference to such companies not inconsistent with this section; provided\nthat such corporation shall, before laying any such line in any city,\nvillage or town of this state, first obtain from the common council of\ncities, or other body having like jurisdiction therein, the trustees of\nvillages, or the town superintendents of towns, permission to use the\nstreets within such city, village or town for the purposes herein set\nforth. Nothing in this section shall limit, alter, or affect the\nprovisions or powers relating or granted to telegraph corporations\nheretofore created by special act of the legislature of this state,\nexcept in so far as to confer on any such corporation the right to lay\nelectrical conductors under ground.\n