Bynum Taxi Registrations Not Renewed

Bynum Taxi cannot legally pick up fares in the City of Peekskill as of Jan. 6, according to the city of The police did not renew the company’s registrations for its 15 taxicabs this year because it says Bynum failed to comply with four key parts of the city’s taxi ordinances.

All taxi companies’ registrations with the city expired on Dec. 31 but police gave all a seven-day grace period to meet all requirements. Bynum did not fully comply with the city ordinance by Jan. 6 so their registration was not renewed. The company can still operate but, as stated above, cannot pick up fares within the city of Peekskill until they come into compliance with the city requirements. Each local municipality regulates their own taxi companies in Westchester.

“We granted a seven-day grace period because of the new language in the ordinance,” Peekskill Police Lt. Eric Johansen said of changes made to the law in October 2011, after a on new companies was lifted. “We wanted to make sure we allowed them the chance to come into compliance if they needed. We are here for the purpose of ensuring safety.”

Bynum taxis failed to comply with the following requirements:

• Register all vehicles in the owner’s name or the name of the business’ current legal name.
• Provide corresponding proof of insurance for all vehicles.
• Provide applications for renewal in the name of a legal corporation. Bynum provided applications in the name of a corporation that is not currently a legal active entity, police said.
• Submit proof of fingerprinting of all drivers by an authorized New York State agent. Police said Bynum failed to do this.

“Not renewing their registration had nothing to do with the new additions to the ordinance,” said Johansen.

Johansen said that the owner of Bynum taxi, Michael Villanova, can either demand a hearing to dispute the police department’s allegations, come into compliance by meeting all requirements and providing proof he has done so or stop picking up fares in Peekskill.

“Regardless of his decision, it is and always will be our responsibility to ensure taxi cabs in city of Peekskill comply with safety and to ensure regulations are in place to keep citizens and taxis that operate here safe.”

While Villanova is not charged with anything in this circumstance, he has been arrested by Peekskill police in the past. In April 2010 he was arrested for allegedly assaulting a former employee. In April, 2011 he was arrested on drug charges following a search of his office that resulted in the

A call to Villanova last week was never returned.

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