Rising Edgemont HS Senior, Christopher Lin presents proposed DRONE local law to Town Bd

Christopher Lin, a rising senior at at Edgemont High School, is an exceptional student intern working in my office. His assignment: developing a local drone ordinance for the town. An avid drone enthusiast, Chris met with the Greenburgh Town Board last week to discuss a draft local law he wrote. Link to the video is below

greenburghny.new.swagit.com/videos/395276:

Given that drones are becoming increasingly more common, proper local-level regulations are crucial to ensure public safety and privacy. Working with Town Supervisor Feiner, Chris researched civilian drone laws at all levels of government, contacted other New York municipalities that have established drone laws, and written a policy report for the Town of Greenburgh. He is currently revising a draft ordinance (Chapter 344) and hope to work with Town officials to refine and pass said ordinance.

Summary/highlights:

The proposed ordinance expands the current drone restrictions from town parks to all town facilities. Additionally, it establishes a permit system allowing both recreational and commercial drone operators to launch and land from town facilities (including parks) after the approval of a permit application. The ordinance also establishes much-needed definitions, standards for permits, exemptions, enforcement capabilities, and penalties. Extensive research was conducted during consideration of the scope of the ordinance to ensure that it would not be preempted by federal and state regulations.

It is my hope that the Town Board will be in a position to enact a local law addressing this important matter this year. Chris, who will be appointed to our Police Community Advisory Board as a student representative, will be asking that Board to review his proposed law in the near future before the Town Board enacts the legislation. Greenburgh is fortunate to have so many talented students like Chris who already are having an important positive impact on our community.

PAUL FEINER
Greenburgh Town Supervisor