EIC files second petition
Late last week, we learned of a third attempt to amend New York’s longstanding village incorporation laws to the detriment of unincorporated Greenburgh’s hamlets. We responded by finalizing the second petition over the Memorial Day weekend. Today, we filed it with the Greenburgh Town Clerk.
The second petition’s 1,700+ signatures represent approximately 35% of Edgemont’s qualified voters, demonstrating strong community support for a vote on incorporation. The petition includes a list of regular inhabitants with the names of children that parents voluntarily provided to us. The Town Clerk was helpful (which we appreciated) and furnished us with a receipt.
Volunteers across Edgemont have worked tirelessly to address the two issues cited by the Appellate Division in upholding Supervisor Feiner’s rejection of the first petition. We greatly appreciate these efforts and thank everyone who has donated money and time away from their families.
Under New York’s Village Law, the Town Supervisor must make the petition available for inspection. He must also notice and schedule a hearing. Ultimately, he himself will decide if the petition meets the statutory requirements. If he finds that it does, we can vote on whether to become a village.
But, if the new bill becomes law, the Supervisor will gain additional authority and discretion to determine if Edgemont’s incorporation is in the best interest of the entire Town. If he decides it isn’t, the new bill empowers him to reject the petition on that subjective basis alone. (Note: Supervisor Feiner has repeatedly stated that he believes Edgemont’s incorporation is bad for the Town.) It would then go to a vote of the entire Town, including the existing villages, rather than just the people of Edgemont as under the current century-old law.
Over the past 24 hours, New York State legislators have received hundreds of e-mails from Edgemont residents opposing the proposed bill. If you haven’t emailed yet, please consider voicing your opposition by clicking below.
You can also support the effort by donating here. Thank you.
The check that accompanied our petition and exhibits.
-- The EIC
Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins: scousins@nysenate.gov
Click here for an email link with the sample language.
(518) 426-6811
(914) 423-4031
Assembly Speaker of the House Carl Heastie: speaker@nyassembly.gov
Click here for an email link with sample language.
(518) 455-3791
(718) 654-6539
