{"id":30245,"date":"2026-07-26T07:19:23","date_gmt":"2026-07-26T11:19:23","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.gunpoliticsny.com\/?p=30245"},"modified":"2026-07-26T07:19:23","modified_gmt":"2026-07-26T11:19:23","slug":"town-of-bergen-passes-local-law","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.gunpoliticsny.com\/?p=30245","title":{"rendered":"Town of Bergen passes local law"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Town of Bergan<\/a> passed a local law prohibiting firearms in certain recreation areas.<\/p>\n

VNS reports<\/a>:<\/p>\n

“A local law Bergen Town Board members adopted this week<\/a> includes establishing rules for Robins Brook Park<\/a>, Drew\u2019s Nature Center<\/a> and the West Shore Recreation Area. Among the prohibited activities in these areas is people having weapons with them, either visible or concealed. The weapons would include firearms …”<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

No indication this is a problem.<\/p>\n

“… The board passed the local law Tuesday after some discussion on the regulation prohibiting weapons. Board member Mark Swanson shared his concern about gun owners possibly bringing lawsuits. Swanson noted some local and state laws have been getting struck down because of the Supreme Court\u2019s ruling on this<\/a> …”<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

He’s right.<\/p>\n

“… Swanson said his understanding, from what he was reading, was that the law applies to urban parks. Board member Karen Ely asked Swanson where he found that and he said he found it in many sources on the internet and through artificial intelligence<\/strong>. \u201cI was directed to the federal wording by the FBI arms instructor,\u201d she said …”<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

That is completely unserious.<\/p>\n

“… [Town Supervisor Ernie Haywood] said he verified that through the attorney for the New York Association of Towns<\/a> and that he also checked with the town\u2019s attorney. Ely and Haywood both said they didn\u2019t see the word \u201curban\u201d mentioned …”<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Because it isn’t there.<\/p>\n

“… The town supervisor asked Swanson if he wanted to table adopting the local law until the next meeting, saying the board didn\u2019t have to approve it Tuesday. Swanson said no. He said his question was if a gun owner decided the town was infringing on his or her right to carry, the town might leave itself open to a lawsuit. Haywood said he\u2019s not an attorney, but he felt someone may file a lawsuit, but an attorney would tell him or her that he or she doesn\u2019t have a claim because it is against state law. We may be the first, but it has to go to New York State and then go to the Supreme Court, I guess. I don\u2019t know,\u201d he said. Swanson said he felt the laws are contrary to the Constitution<\/a>, mentioning the case of New York State Rifle & Pistol Association Inc. v. Bruen<\/a><\/em> …”<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Why would you implement a rule\/law which you believe is unconstitutional thereby opening yourself up to legal action?<\/p>\n

More evidence as to why 2A activists need to participate in elections at all levels.<\/p>\n