Kiryas Joel proposes creating new village

Lawmakers in the Hasidic community of Kiryas Joel are now proposing to create a new village, tripling its current size.
Kiryas Joel Village Trustee Jacob Freund says the new plan would create the new village of Glilos Kiryas Joel and develop 1,140 acres surrounding Kiryas Joel. Freund says they will not need local or state approval to start their own village.
"We don't want to take over," says Freund. "We are here to be in peace with our neighbors." Freund says the law states a community with 500 people is allowed to create its own village.
Emily Convers, who runs the anti-annexation group United Monroe, opposes the plan. Convers accuses the village of threatening its neighbors and vows to fight the new proposal.
Kiryas Joel released a statement urging homeowners to wait for the outcome of the state approval process.