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Recreational Zoning: Concept Used In Inappropriate Context Raises Troubling Issues, John R. Nolon

Elisabeth Haub School of Law Faculty Publications

The Second Department Appellate Division’s holding in Bonnie Briar Syndicate, Inc. v. Mamaroneck upheld local rezoning in Mamaroneck, New York, from residential to recreational use despite legal challenges that the zoning change constituted an unreasonable use of municipal police power as well as a regulatory taking. The case cited several New York precedents. Each held that so long as rezoning is in accordance with the local comprehensive plan, the zoning shall be held constitutional. However, concerns linger among private residents and local municipalities regarding recreational rezoning projects, which despite providing significant benefits for the community, must be justified by a …