New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S05224

Introduced
2/19/25  
Refer
2/19/25  
Engrossed
6/12/25  
Refer
6/12/25  

Caption

Authorizes the town of Union Vale, county of Dutchess, to alienate and discontinue the use of certain parklands and to lease the lands to Homeland Towers, LLC for the placement and operation of a wireless communications tower.

Impact

The bill fundamentally alters the regulations surrounding parkland usage in Union Vale by permitting the alienation and leasing of park properties. This could set a precedent for future decisions concerning parklands throughout the state, as it allows municipalities to divert parkland for commercial purposes, such as telecommunications, while still committing to reinvest in public recreation facilities. The provision requires the town to dedicate funds equal to or greater than the fair market value of the parklands being leased towards acquiring new parklands or improving existing facilities, which aims to mitigate community concerns about losing public recreational space.

Summary

Bill S05224 aims to authorize the town of Union Vale, located in Dutchess County, to discontinue the use of specific parklands. The bill facilitates a lease agreement for these lands with Homeland Towers, LLC for establishing and operating a wireless communication tower. This initiative reflects the increasing demand for enhanced telecommunications infrastructure in suburban and rural areas, which is vital in ensuring comprehensive and dependable wireless service for residents and businesses. By allowing the lease of parkland for telecommunications, the bill represents a balancing act between the need for improved technology and the preservation of public land.

Contention

Notably, there might be contention surrounding the implications of turning parkland into commercial space, as it raises questions about the proper use of public lands and the potential long-term impact on community recreation. Advocates for environmental preservation may voice concerns that this approach jeopardizes green spaces essential for community health and ecological balance. The legislation also stipulates conditions under which the lease could be terminated, indicating that if the leased land is no longer used for its intended purpose, it must revert to the town for park use, thus attempting to offer a safety net for the preservation of public interest.

Companion Bills

NY A05851

Same As Authorizes the town of Union Vale, county of Dutchess, to alienate and discontinue the use of certain parklands and to lease the lands to Homeland Towers, LLC for the placement and operation of a wireless communications tower.

Previously Filed As

NY S09212

Authorizes the town of Yorktown, county of Westchester, to alienate and discontinue the use of certain parklands.

NY A10161

Authorizes the town of Yorktown, county of Westchester, to alienate and discontinue the use of certain parklands.

NY A06701

Authorizes the town of Yorktown, county of Westchester, to discontinue as parklands and lease at fair market value to Homeland Towers, LLC for a term not to exceed 30 years certain lands to make the necessary renovations and operate a radio transmission tower facility.

NY S06743

Authorizes the town of Yorktown, county of Westchester, to discontinue as parklands and lease at fair market value to Homeland Towers, LLC for a term not to exceed 30 years certain lands to make the necessary renovations and operate a radio transmission tower facility.

NY A10515

Authorizes the city of Poughkeepsie to alienate and discontinue the use of certain parklands for the purpose of constructing a new emergency services communications tower.

NY S09804

Authorizes the city of Poughkeepsie to alienate and discontinue the use of certain parklands for the purpose of constructing a new emergency services communications tower.

NY S01112

Authorizes the county of Cattaraugus to discontinue as parklands and lease certain reforested lands in the town of Perrysburg.

NY A01515

Authorizes the county of Cattaraugus to discontinue as parklands and lease certain reforested lands in the town of Perrysburg.

NY A09255

Authorizes the village of Haverstraw to discontinue the use as parkland and alienate certain lands.

NY S08894

Authorizes the village of Haverstraw to discontinue the use as parkland and alienate certain lands.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.