The Secret Cornell

While Cornell’s Tompkins County Comprehensive Plan readily admits: “New York State clearly places land use authority in the hands of its towns, villages, and cities” – it urges local municipalities to renounce that duty; by offering bureaucrats an easier job for the same pay:

“Often, local municipalities have a full workload simply addressing the important day-to-day issues of local concern. Planning at the county level can help municipal governments address key issues of concern that cross municipal boundaries”

Expressing concern and offering to help by taking control is a classic opening gambit in expanding a government’s power – that government being Cornell.

What about the Legislative findings and intent of New York Town Law? – stating that town government should “assure full opportunity for citizen participation in the preparation of such proposed plan.”

Throwing the baby out with the bath water merely gives Cornell a clean basin to fill with their pickings — and a clean platform for a Form Based Code future. A future without the rural community.