Court ruling on vote on creating Village of Edgemont to be blocked by Town of Greenburgh
A state Court judge has ruled that residents in the Edgemont section of the Town of Greenburgh should be allowed to vote on whether to incorporate as their own village.
A state Court judge has ruled that residents in the Edgemont section of the Town of Greenburgh should be allowed to vote on whether to incorporate as their own village — the latest chapter in a years-long legal battle over the proposal.
Supporters say incorporation would give Edgemont residents more control over how their tax dollars are spent and allow them to make local decisions about zoning, development and services.
“Let people vote,” said Edgemont resident Michael Goldstein, who supports the effort. “What people talk about a lot is just making sure our tax dollars are going to the best possible use and in the most efficient way.”
But Greenburgh Town Supervisor Paul Feiner says the move could have major consequences for the town if Edgemont breaks away.
“It would be devastating,” Feiner said. “We would lose significant revenue, there would be mass layoffs and major cutbacks in services.”
The proposal has been attempted multiple times over the past decade, with previous petitions rejected or tied up in court over legal questions about boundaries and petition requirements.
Feinberg says he plans to appeal the latest ruling.
If the decision stands, a vote on whether to create the Village of Edgemont could take place within about 40 days.
The incorporation issue has also entered local politics. Edgemont resident Barry McGoey, who is challenging Feiner in the Democratic primary for town supervisor this June, says some residents feel they lack representation within the town government.
The legal fight over Edgemont’s future is expected to continue as the town prepares its appeal.
