UTICA, N.Y. -- Congresswoman Claudia Tenney weighed in on the latest development in the controversial downtown Utica hospital project.

Mohawk Valley Health System leaders got their Certificate of Need application approved by the state Department of Health last week, allowing them to use eminent domain to acquire property in the project's footprint.

But Representative Tenney believes that eminent domain would be damaging to people's rights. She says using it to create economic growth will not enhance the quality of care people receive. Tenney also believes pushing local businesses out could result in a smaller tax base for the city.

Utica Mayor Robert Palmieri fired back, calling the hospital a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. He also contested the claims made about the city's finances saying:

"She is factually inaccurate in referencing “our shrinking tax base” as Utica’s tax base has grown over the past six years due to proactive and aggressive economic development efforts."

There are 72 parcels of land that need to be acquired by the city and county for the hospital project.

Leaders say there are three property owners that have been unwilling to negotiate with the city so far.