New York Assembly Bill A08373

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/13/25
• Refer: 5/13/25
• Report Pass: 6/13/25
• Refer: 6/13/25

Caption

Authorizes the discontinuance of certain parklands in the town of Cortlandville, county of Cortland for lease to Park Outdoor Advertising of New York, Inc. for the purpose of erecting, maintaining and operating an electronic sign.

Impact

The bill includes provisions that validate the town's actions in leasing the parkland despite previously lacking state legislative authorization to do so. It emphasizes the need for all proceeds from the lease to be allocated towards acquiring new parklands or enhancing existing recreational facilities. This requirement ensures that while the parkland is being utilized for commercial purposes, the town remains committed to improving community recreational resources.

Summary

Bill A08373 seeks to authorize the town of Cortlandville in Cortland County to discontinue the use of specific parklands for leasing to Park Outdoor Advertising of New York, Inc. This lease would facilitate the erection, maintenance, and operation of an electronic sign for a term not exceeding ten years. The town's governing body is tasked with establishing the conditions under which this lease will be executed, marking a significant shift in the use of designated recreational spaces within the township.

Contention

Critics might argue that leasing parklands for commercial purposes undermines public access to recreational spaces and could set a precedent for similar actions in other municipalities. Furthermore, the bill contains a clause ensuring that should the leased land no longer serve the intended purpose, it will revert back to public use as parkland. This condition aims to mitigate potential community backlash by ensuring a safeguard for the park's original intent, but dissenters may still find it inadequate given the nature of the initial alienation.