Court Orders Vote on Edgemont Incorporation… Again
Dear Edgemont Neighbors:
We hope you are all healthy and well, and to the extent possible, enjoying the weather.
A year ago, the EIC submitted its second incorporation petition to Paul Feiner, Greenburgh’s Town Supervisor. He rejected it. You may recall that Mr. Feiner had also rejected the EIC’s first petition back in 2017.
We appealed Mr. Feiner’s rejection by filing an Article 78 petition in court. Today, New York State Judge Susan Cacace found Mr. Feiner’s reasons for rejection to be illegal, unlawful, and contrary to the weight of evidence. She ordered the Town Clerk to undertake all actions necessary to schedule a vote on incorporation within 40 days.
What happens now? The ball is in Mr. Feiner’s court. He has two options:
1) Appeal the decision (as he did last time), further delaying our ability to vote; or
2) Not appeal, which means our community would vote over the summer on whether to become Greenburgh’s seventh incorporated village. We would coordinate with election officials at the Town of Greenburgh and Westchester County to ensure a safe voting procedure.
While we face global challenges, here locally we have a unique opportunity to shape our future. Now, more than ever, is the time for Edgemont to govern itself and for our residents to make the critical decisions about zoning, services, and capital improvements that will ultimately drive tax levels and determine the quality of life in our community.
For example, a Village of Edgemont could develop a comprehensive plan for a re-imagined Central Avenue—just like our self-governing school district is working on a long-term plan for its infrastructure. We could obtain services from large-scale public and private providers and professional municipal managers to ensure efficiency and keep property taxes in check. And, like the six other villages in Greenburgh, we'd have funding of our own to develop recreation and leisure programming to bring together Edgemont residents of all ages.
The long-term possibilities for Edgemont are simply endless once we are able to chart our own future.
If Edgemont votes this summer to become a village, we will have at least full year to plan before actually becoming self-governing, as state law requires a significant transition period. In the meantime, after four years of effort, we are just excited to be one step closer to a vote. We recognize the tireless efforts of our attorneys at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP, Latham & Watkins, LLP, and Bernstein & Associates, PLLC. Thank you!
As always, the EIC will continue to provide updated information and answer any questions you may have about becoming a village.
Stay tuned.
-The EIC
