Bill would let Schenectady transfer Woodlawn Preserve to commission

If enacted, the bill would authorize Schenectady’s governing body to end the land’s park use and transfer it to the commission. The land is the Woodlawn Preserve in Schenectady County. The transfer would make it part of the Albany Pine Bush Preserve and put it under the Albany Pine Bush Preserve Commission’s control. If the city received federal support to buy, maintain, or improve the land, it must first meet federal requirements for converting or transferring parkland. Those requirements may include providing other land of equivalent fair market value and usefulness. The act would take effect immediately if enacted.

If enacted, the bill would set the commission’s membership at twelve voting members and list Schenectady’s mayor among them. These provisions concern the Albany Pine Bush Preserve Commission and its members. The text also says eight ex-officio members—members who serve because of their public office—may send representatives to meetings. It lists four private citizens appointed by the governor with the Senate’s approval. The act would take effect immediately if enacted.