Trustees Push Back BelleFair Deed Resolution

At last night's Village of Rye Brook Board of Trustees meeting, a local law pertaining to the BelleFair Middle Income Development Program was to be discussed. But after learning that most residents were at the meeting for the purpose of discussing a different issue, the board unanimously agreed to adjourn the BelleFair public hearing to September 13^th.

The issue regarding the BelleFair Middle Income Development Program centers on concerns of what would happen to the families of those with deeds to property in BelleFair, should something happen to the eligible purchaser. It is an issue that has been brought up several times in the past.

“We want to be fair and sensitive,” said Mayor Joan Feinstein. “On the other hand, we are trying to achieve the spirit of the municipal program for those people to be able to live in the community they work in.”

Although general consensus has been that the Village Code should allow spouses to stay on the property, the village is concerned about where the line will be drawn.

Mayor Feinstein brought up the example of an adult child. She said, “It has to stop some place.”

BelleFair is a subdivision of 261 homes in Rye Brook.

Although there seems to be popular agreement to limit the exception to the spouse, the board decided that they would like to hear more from the residents of BelleFair. 

Recognizing that many residents may be traveling during the months of August, the board has decided to adjourn the public hearing to September 13. The board emphasized that, should there be a change in the law, it would only apply to new owners.  No current deeds would be modified and no one already living in BelleFair would be forced out of their homes.