Bill > S07895

This bill amends the New York town law to provide more comprehensive guidelines for how planning boards can handle park and recreational facility requirements during land development. Specifically, when a planning board determines that a proposed subdivision or site plan requires parkland, they can now require developers to not only set aside land for parks, but also contribute a financial payment into a dedicated trust fund. The payment can be either 20% of the land's value or 20% of the town's projected improvement costs (whichever is greater), but cannot exceed 30% of the land's value. These funds can be used for a wide range of park-related expenses, including acquiring property, improving and expanding existing parks, repairing or replacing recreational facilities and equipment, covering design and construction costs, and supporting general maintenance of park facilities. The bill applies to both subdivision plats and site plans, giving towns more flexibility in how they can develop and maintain public recreational spaces. The changes aim to ensure that as new developments occur, communities can simultaneously invest in and improve their park and recreational infrastructure.

Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S7895