Possible annexation to benefit Tburg citizens

A potential annexation of land along Route 96 at the south end of the village has some residents questioning on social media the value of annexation to the village.

To help explain this, here’s a basic rundown of how annexation works. The process of annexation in New York state, whether in a city, town or village, involves many steps, as outlined in the General Municipal Law, Article 17.

Over time, many legal questions regarding annexation have been answered in litigation and serve to guide the annexation process. Ultimately, the decision by a municipality to approve an annexation of land is based on whether or not it serves the overall public interest.

The annexation process, similar in fashion to forming a new water district, is initiated by the landowners in the form of a petition from landowners to the governing board of the municipality to be annexed into.

According to the NYS Handbook for Village Officials, which is based on General Municipal Law Article 17, “The petition describes the territory including the number of inhabitants. The petition must be signed by either: at least 20 percent of qualified voters who reside within the territory proposed to be annexed; or by the owners of a majority in assessed valuation of real property in the territory proposed to be annexed. … The completed original petition is then given to the governing board of the municipality in which the property is located, with a certified copy provided to the governing board of the municipality to which the land is proposed to be annexed.”

Following the submittal of the petition, the governing board of the municipality to be annexed initiates a State Environmental Quality Review (SEQR) to determine potential environmental impacts of annexation or potential development.

Both municipalities plan a hearing of public comment, which is to be widely advertised within 20 days of the receipt of the petition. Municipalities can choose to hold one joint hearing, or two separate hearings.

In addition to the public comment section, the hearing will include review of the SEQR, as well as testimony and the review of qualification for annexation. Municipalities may choose to cast votes during the meeting, or may adjourn for vote at a later time, no more than 90 days after the hearing.

As stated in the Handbook for Village Officials, “The vote must be a majority of the fully constituted board and must decide two basic issues: whether the petition complied with statutory requirements; and whether it is in the overall public interest to approve the annexation.”

In litigation, the courts have defined extensively what constitutes overall public interest. For example, there is justification when an annexation would enhance municipal services, when it would present an opportunity for development of land that would not otherwise be developed and if it does not negatively affect tax revenue for either municipality involved in the annexation.

Should either of the governing boards vote against a proposed annexation, the other governing board may apply to the appellate division of the supreme court for final determination of overall public interest. Upon approval of a proposed annexation, the petition, certificates of election and a description of the land is filed with local government. A land survey is conducted, and new maps of the municipalities are drawn.

In particular to the Smith Woods property, Mayor Rordan Hart suggests, “Smith Woods (owned by PRI) is an environmental, cultural and historic treasure, which the village would be fortunate to include within its borders. The Woods were originally deeded over to the village for safekeeping by Henry Smith, but for some reason were never annexed into the village. At some point, ownership was relinquished and several organizations have managed the property since. It would close that historic loop for the Woods to come into the village, especially at a time when the Comp Plan and Zoning are being rewritten, which will allow for the Woods to be designated as a natural heritage area and/or parkland to be preserved in its natural state forever.”

Annexation south brings many potential benefits to the village, including increased tax base. More importantly, it presents an opportunity to increase the health and safety of anyone who travels on Route 96, which has a dangerously fast speed limit of 45 miles-per-hour in a near constantly busy area.

“Any annexation of property to the south would give the village options with respect to speed limits in the area between the current village line and the ShurSave,” Hart also notes. “Traffic in that area has always been a concern, and having some ability to manage speed limits would be a benefit to everyone.”

In Brief:

Upcoming Rotary Events

On Nov. 7, the T’burg Fire Department Chief Jason Fulton will report on current plans, challenges and needs of the Trumansburg Fire Department. On Nov. 21, Trumansburg Police Chief Joe Nelson will bring us up to date on changes in the department since he stepped in last year.

The talks take place on Thursdays at 7:00 p.m. at Post 770 of the American Legion, located at 4431 East Seneca Rd., off Route 96, just north of the village. Members of the public are welcome to attend.

The Rotary will also hold its last barbecue of the year, on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 5, time to be announced. The event will take place in the Atlas Bowl parking lot. Dinners are $10 for half a chicken, coleslaw, salt potatoes and Italian bread.

Ulysses Philomathic Library Association’s 38th Annual Candlelight Dinner

Everyone is invited to the 38th Annual Candlelight Dinner and Membership Meeting on Saturday, Nov. 2 at 6:00 p.m. at the First Presibyterian Church of Ulysses Chapel at 69 East Main St. They will be thanking volunteers and voting in new trustees.

This year, there will be live music by Xander Dawson, art by Rob MaKenzie and a literary quiz by Chris Wofford. Reservations are required as seating is limited. Sign up at the front desk, call the library at 607-387-5623, or sign up online! Admission by your favorite culinary concoction, and BYOB.

Jacksonville United Methodist Church Election Day Dinner

The Jacksonville United Methodist Church will hold an election day dinner from 4:00 p.m. until gone. They will be serving roast pork with dressing, chicken and biscuits, sweet potato casserole, mashed potatoes, pickled beets, coleslaw, applesauce, homemade desserts, coffee, tea and lemonade. $10 for adults, $5 for children 11 and under.

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The Trumansburg Chamber Celebrates 100 years

Save the date to Join the Trumansburg Chamber board and members, and Trumansburg community on Friday, Nov. 22 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Trumansburg Conservatory of Fine Arts, as they celebrate members, Chamber award recipients and the Chamber’s 100th anniversary!

Learn about the history of the Chamber and how the Chamber is changing to maintain sustainability so it can continue to serve its membership and community. In honor of the 100th anniversary, this year will have a theme for the dinner – dress from your favorite decade!

Catering by Falls Catering, with entertainment by CNY Attractions and The Flywheels. Cost is $35 per person, cash bar. Menu, more celebration details and registration coming soon.