516-227-0700

New law requires livestreaming of IDA meetings

August 29, 2019

Peter Curry was quoted in a Long Island Business News article on August 28 regarding a new law that will require Industrial Development Agencies in New York to make public meetings more accessible.

Below is an excerpt from the article.

Industrial Development Agencies in New York State will soon have to livestream their public meetings and hearings, thanks to a new law signed Tuesday by Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

The new law, which was introduced and sponsored by two Long Island state legislators, also requires IDAs to post video recordings of the meetings within five business days and remain available online for at least five years. The law takes effect on Jan. 1, 2020.

Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages, D-Valley Stream, said the impetus for the legislation was the controversial tax breaks given to the owners of the Green Acres Mall in Valley Stream by the Town of Hempstead IDA four years ago.

State Sen. Todd Kaminsky, D-Rockville Centre, who sponsored the Senate version of the bill, said it aims to bolster transparency and accountability, while protecting tax dollars.

Attorney Peter Curry, a partner at Farrell Fritz who has handled IDA applications for hundreds of clients, said he welcomes increasing public participation in the process.

“I don’t have a problem if they want to livestream it like they do with some municipal meetings,” Curry said. “Nothing should be done in hiding.”

To read the full article, please click here.

  • Related Practice Areas: Commercial Finance & Banking, Corporate, Real Estate
  • Featured Attorneys: Peter L. Curry
  • Publications: Long Island Business News