Authorizes the county of Putnam to alienate certain lands used as parklands in the town of Carmel for use as a cell tower.
Impact
The bill directly affects state parkland laws by allowing local governments like Putnam County to convert parklands for commercial purposes, in this case, to accommodate telecommunications infrastructure. This shift raises concerns about the preservation of public spaces and sets a precedent for other counties to potentially follow suit in repurposing parklands under similar justifications. Creating cellular infrastructure is seen as vital for technological advancement and improved connectivity, particularly in rural areas, but it can undermine environmental and community interests.
Summary
Bill A08903, introduced in the New York State Assembly, seeks to authorize the county of Putnam to alienate designated parklands for the installation of a cellular tower. The bill outlines specific conditions under which this alienation is permissible, emphasizing that the county must dedicate funds equal to or greater than the fair market value of the parklands being discontinued towards acquiring new parklands or improving existing recreational facilities. This provision is meant to mitigate the loss of public open space typically associated with such land transactions.
Contention
Key points of contention surrounding Bill A08903 include the balance between technological progress and environmental stewardship. Supporters argue that enhancing cellular coverage serves the public interest by improving communication services, while critics worry that this bill opens the door for the erosion of public lands. They fear the implications for community access to green spaces and the preservation of natural resources in Putnam County. Furthermore, the stipulation requiring investment back into parklands is intended as a safeguard, but its effectiveness will depend on proper enforcement and accountability measures.
Authorizes the town of Henrietta, county of Monroe to alienate certain lands used as parkland to Forest Creek Equity Corp., and to dedicate certain other lands as parklands.
Authorizes the town of Henrietta, county of Monroe to alienate certain lands used as parkland to Forest Creek Equity Corp., and to dedicate certain other lands as parklands.
Authorizes the town of New Windsor to alienate certain parklands for use as a sewer treatment plant and to dedicate other lands as replacement parklands.
Authorizes the town of New Windsor to alienate certain parklands for use as a sewer treatment plant and to dedicate other lands as replacement parklands.
Authorizes the town of Southampton, county of Suffolk, to alienate certain parklands for the purpose of installing an algae skimmer in Lake Agawam, and to replace such alienated parkland with a new, dedicated parkland.
Authorizes the town of Southampton, county of Suffolk, to alienate certain parklands for the purpose of installing an algae skimmer in Lake Agawam, and to replace such alienated parkland with a new, dedicated parkland.
Authorizes the town of Brookhaven to alienate certain parklands for the purpose of constructing a municipal drainage system and acquire and dedicate certain other lands as parklands.
Authorizes the town of Brookhaven to alienate certain parklands for the purpose of constructing a municipal drainage system and acquire and dedicate certain other lands as parklands.