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.
The bill stipulates that the alienation of parklands, despite the town's previous failure to seek legislative approval, is validated and confirmed. It emphasizes the importance of reinvesting the funds from the lease into local parks, which may contribute positively to the community by enhancing recreational options. However, it also raises questions about the appropriateness of allowing electronic signage in traditional park settings, potentially altering the character of these public spaces.
Bill S08403 proposes to authorize the town of Cortlandville to discontinue certain parklands for lease to Park Outdoor Advertising of New York, Inc. The lease would enable the erection, maintenance, and operation of an electronic sign for a term not exceeding ten years. This move is positioned as a means to generate revenue through the lease while also mandating that all proceeds are dedicated towards the acquisition of new parklands or improvements to existing recreational facilities.
Key points of contention arise from concerns regarding the use of public parklands for commercial purposes. Opponents may argue that leasing parkland for an advertising sign could undermine the intrinsic value of park spaces intended for public enjoyment and natural preservation. The stipulation that any cessation of use for the sign would require the land to revert to its previous state for park use reflects an attempt to address some of these concerns but may not fully alleviate apprehensions regarding the commercialization of public lands.