Westchester Executive Jenkins Officially Renews The 'Good Neighbor Policy'

Press release from the Westchester County Government:

Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins has officially renewed the Good Neighbor Policy, reaffirming the County’s commitment to transparency, collaboration and community engagement. Originally enacted in 2018, this new Executive Order signed by Jenkins ensures local municipalities and residents have a meaningful voice in decisions impacting their communities.

Jenkins said: “The Good Neighbor Policy reflects Westchester County’s dedication to open government and partnership with our municipalities. By renewing this executive order, we are reaffirming our promise to include local voices in decisions that affect their neighborhoods, ensuring that no significant action on county-owned land proceeds without input from the people who live there.”

Key Features of the Good Neighbor Policy:

• Formal Presentations to Local Governments: The County must present any significant proposed action involving county-owned land to the governing body of the municipality where the land is located.
• Public Transparency: These presentations will be conducted at regularly scheduled and televised meetings to maximize public visibility.
• Community Input Period: Local municipalities will have 60 days to gather public feedback and submit a memorandum expressing their support, neutrality, or opposition to the proposed action.
• Collaboration Over Conflict: The policy aims to foster dialogue and collaboration between the County and its municipalities to promote shared understanding and consensus.

Jenkins continued: “Good government listens, adapts and prioritizes its people. With this policy, we’re saying loud and clear: Westchester County values your voice.”

This press release was produced by the Westchester County Government. The views expressed here are the author’s own.