Thursday, September 29, 2011

New York Town Extends Landfill Moratorium

Finger Lakes Times:
The [Ovid] Town Board has extended its moratorium on new landfills or monofills for another year.

The board imposed the initial, one-year moratorium in May 2010. At its September meeting, the board renewed the moratorium for another year.

Town officials said the moratorium is designed to allow the town and planning boards additional time to study the potential impact of landfills and monofills on groundwater and agriculture and other quality-of-life factors.

Town Attorney Steven Getman, the Seneca County Planning Department, the town Planning Board and Supervisor Walt Prouty, researched and drafted the town’s moratorium.

Monday, September 19, 2011

New York's Good Samaritan Law Takes Effect

New York State's Good Samaritan law is now in effect.

The law is designed to curb accidental deaths from overdoses. It encourages witnesses or victims of alcohol or drug overdoses to call 911 for emergency assistance. The law provides limitations on use of evidence obtained in connection with a person seeking or receiving health care for a drug overdose.

Supporters of the law say victims or callers will be protected from being charged or prosecuted for drug or alcohol possession. According to them, most overdose deaths are preventable if they get immediate help, and the primary reason people do not call for assistance is a fear of getting arrested.

More on the law can be found here.

Monday, September 5, 2011

Schools are open. Drive safe. Avoid tickets.

New York State schools begin classes this week.

This means that many school speed limits are, again, in effect. Typically, these speed limits are fifteen miles per hour, effective from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm on school days.

In addition, school buses will be back on the roads in the early mornings and late afternoons, picking up or discharging children.

Many police agencies will be out in force this week, enforcing these laws. Penalties for violating these traffic rules can be stiff, ranging from fines, to points on your drivers’ license and, in some case, lose of driving privileges. If you receive a traffic ticket for violating any of these laws, it is recommended that you consult with a qualified attorney of your own choosing, to determine the penalties you face, and your legal rights.

However, the best way to avoid these penalties is to drive safely. Motorists are reminded to be on the lookout for schools, buses and pedestrians, to make sure each student has a safe and enjoyable school year.