In a joint statement, the supervisors wrote that there were “many well-articulated objections received over the course of the review period; however, no qualitative or quantitative analysis is even allowed in the process under current New York State Law,” therefore they wrote, “many of these objections, while full of merit, are not actual reasons for challenge based on the antiquated village law.”
Both said the current 100-year-old state law is antiquated and “in dire need of a re-write.”
They said communities are beyond the days of meeting at the local Grange to map out their future. The state legislature agrees, but a bill they approved to change the law awaits action by Governor Kathy Hochul.
Reiber and Rappaport said current law ignores concerns such as environmental impact; water and sewer infrastructure needs; roadway improvements and maintenance; staff needed to administer the village; and taxation interests; comptroller’s oversight for the residents who must pay for this new layer of government; and a possible infringement on the public’s First Amendment right of free speech doe to the requirement for objectors to not only disclose their name and address but to sign the objection and place themselves in a position to be deposed or possibly cojoined in a suit.
They said the petition ruling concludes the first step in creating the new village, state law lays out the next steps and processes that must be followed.
