Bill > A03821

This bill requires public hearings for land conversion projects in municipalities with populations under one million, ensuring local community members have an opportunity to voice concerns about proposed public land use changes. Specifically, when the state or any organization wants to convert land into public spaces like trails, parks, or recreation areas, they must hold a public hearing with the local town, planning, or zoning board. The hearing must allow neighbors within a five-mile radius and other community members to raise privacy or safety concerns about the proposed land conversion. Additionally, the municipality must provide at least ten days' notice of such a hearing, which must be prominently displayed on the municipality's website and mailed to all properties within a five-mile radius of the proposed land conversion site. The purpose of this bill appears to be increasing transparency and giving local residents a formal mechanism to provide input on land use changes that could impact their community, particularly in smaller municipalities where such large-scale land conversions might have significant local implications.

Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A3821