On Monday, the New York State Assembly unanimously passed a bill sponsored by Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele, Jr. (I-Sag Harbor) that would amend certain provisions of the General Municipal Law to provide that municipalities hold public hearings upon ten days’ notice of a proposed acquisition of property for the purpose of preserving open space, historical or cultural properties, and land for urban renewal projects. This bill would correct the use of undefined and uncertain language that previously failed to give local governments clear rules regarding public notices and hearings.

“As New York State continues to promote the protection of historically and environmentally significant lands and the renewal of blighted properties in our urban centers, it is essential that municipalities have a straightforward legal framework with which to hold public hearings,” said Assemblyman Thiele. “Furthermore, the public will greatly benefit from the clarifications made in this bill as it more definitively constructs the procedure that allows individuals to make their voices heard. I am grateful for the full support of the Assembly and urge the Senate to pass this important legislation.”