Public hearing set after village board finds clerical error in ZBA appointment; appointee seeks counsel and more time

Deputy Mayor Josie Bloom opened a public hearing process after board members voted to schedule a hearing to consider removing Keith Greenbound from the Zoning Board of Appeals on the grounds that an earlier resolution mistakenly named him as a regular member rather than an alternate.

Resident Peter Wessel told the board it would be unfair to proceed on the scheduled October date without providing Greenbound legal representation and sufficient time to prepare, saying, "He should have a lawyer appointed that the town should pay for and it should give him adequate time to be able to prepare his case." Greenbound, who identified himself during public comment, said he has received no written statement of cause and cited New York Village Law, arguing removal must be for cause: "removal must be for cause and there's no formal written cause that I have received."

Trustees and staff described the issue as an administrative error: the appointment paperwork and agenda listed Greenbound as a member rather than as an alternate, and the board said the hearing is to determine whether that mistake constitutes sufficient cause for removal. Board members said they need to consult with the village attorney to determine whether the village code requires the board to pay for representation in this non‑court proceeding.

Deputy Mayor Bloom moved to adjourn the October 5 hearing and tentatively reschedule it for the board's October 19 work session to give Greenbound more time; some members and residents asked for even more time. The board said it will confer with the village attorney before finalizing the date and whether the village can or will fund outside counsel for Greenbound. The board noted that full written resolution language scheduling the hearing is part of the public record and will be posted on the village website.

Next steps: the village will confirm the hearing date after counsel consults with the administration and will publish any formal written cause for removal in advance of the hearing if the board intends to proceed.