On Tuesday afternoon, Senator Bill Weber, Assemblyman Aron Wieder, Orangetown Supervisor Teresa Kenny, and Congressman Mike Lawler gathered at Orangetown Town Hall to celebrate the passage of the long-awaited Orangetown Preservation Fund legislation, a major milestone for open-space protection and long-term community planning.
The initiative was first proposed in 2021 by Supervisor Teresa Kenny and originally introduced in Albany by then-Assemblyman Mike Lawler. It quickly became a top priority for Rockland’s state delegation. Senator Weber carried the bill in the Senate for three consecutive years. Although it passed both chambers in 2023, it was vetoed by Governor Kathy Hochul. The bill passed the Senate again in 2024 and, in 2025, finally cleared both houses and was signed into law by the Governor, marking a breakthrough victory for Orangetown’s preservation efforts.
Congressman Mike Lawler, who championed the proposal during his time in the State Assembly, attended the event and spoke about the importance of protecting Orangetown’s natural resources and maintaining the character of the community for future generations.
The new law authorizes Orangetown to establish a Community Preservation Fund by local law. The fund may accept gifts, land interests, and specific governmental revenues, which can be used to preserve open space, protect natural resources, and support long-term planning needs that benefit residents.
Local leaders hailed the legislation as a transformative tool that will secure the town’s environmental and community priorities for decades to come.
The announcement took place Tuesday at Orangetown Town Hall.
