Cahill Legislation Will Protect Environment, Communities

April 9, 2012

(Albany) Assemblymember Kevin Cahill (D – Ulster, Dutchess) announced that he recently introduced legislation (A.9791) to extend the existing indemnity provision for communities in the Hudson River Valley Greenway for five years. The provision gives communities participating in the Greenway Compact cover from the state in the event of legal actions that may result from land acquisition. Many municipalities see this as a necessary assurance when joining the Compact.

“Our beautiful open spaces define the Hudson Valley. The Greenway has played an integral role in coordinating, advising and assisting communities committed to protecting the natural beauty, safety and ecological equilibrium of the Catskill and Hudson Valley regions in ways that encourage and stimulate growth,” said Assemblymember Cahill. “The Greenway Compact provides a balanced approach to land use planning that takes the unique qualities of our communities into account.”

The indemnity clause came into play recently, when a case was brought against the Town of Milan in Dutchess County by private industry interested in developing an area protected by the Compact. Initially, the Town’s comprehensive plan and zoning ordinance amendments were declared null and void. Upon appeal, then Attorney General Andrew Cuomo was successful in representing the Town, as the indemnity provision requires, and the ruling was reversed.

“The indemnity provision has proven to be an essential tool in defending our communities from unwise development and the sprawl that is creeping its way up the Hudson Valley,” said Assemblymember Cahill. “Its extension will only help to further the cause of the Hudson River

Valley Greenway and protect our natural surroundings.”

Since its inception in 1991 by an act of the Legislature, The Hudson River Valley Greenway has worked effectively to establish voluntary regional planning partnerships with 264 municipalities in 13 counties, and New York City. The success of the program has lead to its replication in various regions throughout the world.

“The Hudson River Valley Greenway has been a critical partner to municipalities in our region,” said Steve Rosenberg, Executive Vice President for Scenic Hudson and member of the Greenway’s Advisory Board. “The agency has provided a ‘big tent’ for local government and stakeholders to discuss and plan for their future and access local planning tools that revitalize waterfronts and main streets as vibrant economic and community centers.”

“The Greenway has established and implemented a successful model of how government can work cooperatively with diverse partners in public and private sectors to encourage strategies to achieve smart growth, environmental and heritage conservation, and sustainable economic development,” said Assemblymember Cahill.

What's New