WeVote

Bill

Bill

S 5536

Authorizes the county of Suffolk to alienate certain lands used as parklands and to dedicate certain other lands as parklands

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Mario Mattera

Bill S 5536 allows Suffolk County to repurpose certain parklands while ensuring new areas are dedicated as parks, maintaining public recreational space for residents.

SIGNED CHAP.330
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 5536

Summary of Bill S 5536

Title: Authorizes the county of Suffolk to alienate certain lands used as parklands and to dedicate certain other lands as parklands
Bill Number: S 5536
Status: SIGNED CHAP.330
Introduced: February 24, 2025

Purpose and Intent

Bill S 5536 aims to provide the county of Suffolk with the authority to alienate specific lands currently designated as parklands. In exchange, the bill allows for the dedication of other lands to be designated as parklands. This legislative action is intended to facilitate land management and potentially improve public access to recreational areas.

Key Provisions

  • Alienation of Parklands: The bill permits the county of Suffolk to remove certain lands from parkland status. This means that these lands can be repurposed for other uses, which may include development or other municipal projects.

  • Dedication of New Parklands: In conjunction with the alienation, the bill mandates that other lands be dedicated as parklands. This provision is designed to ensure that the overall amount of land available for public recreation does not diminish, even as some areas are repurposed.

Affected Parties

  • County of Suffolk: The primary entity affected by this bill is the county government, which will gain additional flexibility in managing its land resources.

  • Residents and Visitors: Local residents and visitors who utilize parklands will be impacted by changes in land use. The dedication of new parklands aims to maintain or enhance recreational opportunities for the community.

  • Environmental Groups: Organizations focused on conservation and public land access may have a vested interest in the outcomes of this bill, particularly regarding the balance between development and preservation.

Legislative Timeline

  • February 24, 2025: Bill introduced and referred to the Local Government committee.
  • June 11, 2025: Passed in the Senate and delivered to the Assembly.
  • June 13, 2025: Passed in the Assembly, returned to the Senate, and substituted for companion bill A 5900.
  • August 12, 2025: Delivered to the Governor for approval.
  • August 15, 2025: Signed into law as Chapter 330.

Conclusion

Bill S 5536 represents a significant legislative step for the county of Suffolk, allowing for the strategic management of parklands. By enabling the alienation of certain lands while ensuring the dedication of new parklands, the bill seeks to balance development needs with the preservation of public recreational spaces. The successful passage of this bill reflects ongoing efforts to adapt land use policies to meet community needs.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.