Today, Assemblyman Karl Brabenec (R,C,I-Deerpark) and Assemblyman James Skoufis (D-Woodbury) voted to enact bipartisan legislation that has the potential to stop Kiryas Joel’s annexation plans. Assembly Bill 7639, introduced by Skoufis and co-sponsored by Brabenec, allows the Orange County planning board to evaluate this annexation (as well as any future attempts) and approve or disapprove it. This is the first concrete piece of legislation to have been passed by any legislator that would affect the proposed 507-acre annexation.

“I oppose this annexation. This move by the village of Kiryas Joel is a unique and aggressive case that demands very specific and decisive action,” said Brabenec. “Kiryas Joel should never have been given the authority by the DEC to authorize their own annexation, especially given the county-wide ramifications. I’m proud to have partnered with Assemblyman Skoufis on this effort, and I look forward to our continued work together.”