Hope that Greenburgh will follow White Plains lead and authorize town to forfeiture vehicles used in connection with drag racing
Congratulations to the City of White Plains for passing a new law that could save lives and enhance quality of life---a law that enables the city to forfeiture vehicles used in connection with drag racing. I have spoken with the Greenburgh Police Chief Chris McNerney and will propose that Greenburgh adopt a similar law. It’s my hope that proposed law could be reviewed by the Town Board this month and enacted into law this fall.
Last week the White Plains Common Council passed legislation to address the problem of drag racing on White Plains City streets. The new law in White Plains authorizes the forfeiture of a vehicle used in connection with drag racing. A number of residents who live on or near Central Ave have complained about excessive noise at all hours of the evening -disrupting sleep and quality of life.
It is well known that the noise associated with unlawful speed contests creates a nuisance and diminishes the quality of life enjoyed by our residents. The races themselves are also dangerous, not only to the participants but to bystanders and other vehicles legally using the road.
In December of 2019 White Plains Mayor Roach had the opportunity to meet with James Nolan. Mr. Nolan’s brother, Michael Nolan, was killed in a drive-by shooting that stemmed from a drag race in which he was not participating. The tragedy experienced by the Nolan family became the impetus for his campaign to address the dangers of drag racing and the nuisance they cause in our communities.
The main component of the package approved by White Plains is a local law that would enable local governments to commence a civil action seeking forfeiture of a vehicle used in connection with drag racing (aka: unlawful speed contests) after the registered owner of the vehicle is convicted under or pleads guilty to section 1182 of the New York State Vehicle & Traffic Law. Section 1182 specifically prohibits speed contests and races. A conviction under this section is a misdemeanor.
In addition to the local law, the package includes two ordinances.
The first ordinance adds a definition of unlawful speed contests to the City’s Municipal Code and provides penalties for those involved in such races.
The second ordinance amends the City’s noise ordinance to clarify that noise created during an unlawful speed contest is a prohibited noise, also subject to penalties.
A conviction or guilty plea under the City’s Municipal Code is a violation and can result in a fine.
Drag racing along Central Ave has been an ongoing problem. The Greenburgh Police Department will contiinue enforcement efforts to address this public safety concern which impacts the quality of life for our residents. We have worked jointly with our counterparts from Yonkers, White PLains, NYS Police, respectively with enforcement initiatives and will continue to do so. Unfortunately, there there are groups originating from jurisdictions outside of the Town who arrange these so called “pop up” rallies via social media. The police will continue to monitor social media to gather intelligence and develop strategies to discourage and prevent this activity within the Town of Greenburgh. We urge residents to call 989 1700 to report these problems.
PAUL FEINER
Greenburgh Town Supervisor