New York Senate Bill S09943

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/16/26
• Refer: 4/16/26

Caption

Authorizes the village of New Berlin to discontinue the use as parkland and alienate certain lands.

Impact

The impact of S09943 will be significant in terms of shifting the land's purpose from public use to private development. The bill stipulates that the village must commit an amount equal to the fair market value of the parkland being sold towards acquiring new parklands or improving existing recreational facilities. This provision aims to ensure that the transition does not leave the community without access to park space or recreational opportunities, maintaining some level of public benefit despite the alienation of the original parkland.

Summary

Bill S09943, introduced by Senator Griffo, pertains to the village of New Berlin, authorizing it to discontinue the use of certain parklands for public recreational purposes and alienate them effectively. The bill allows the village to sell these lands to Good Shepherd Communities, which intends to construct a skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility on the site. This move aims to fulfill a pressing community need for senior health care services amidst the growing demand for such facilities across the state.

Contention

There may be contention surrounding this bill primarily focused on the balance between local needs for residential and healthcare facilities versus the preservation of public recreational spaces. Advocates for the nursing facility may argue that the growing population of seniors necessitates such developments to provide adequate health services. Conversely, community members and some local activists could express concerns about losing public parkland, citing potential negative effects on community health and wellbeing, as well as the loss of natural spaces that serve as vital recreational outlets for residents.