Friday, July 11, 2025
A common refrain heard in Village Hall is, “I wasn’t aware that was happening.” While we understand that people lead busy lives, it’s important to be honest about why these moments of surprise occur. In most cases, it’s not because the Village failed to provide notice—it’s because many residents simply aren’t paying attention to the official channels where important information is shared.
The truth is, it’s not possible for local government—or any level of government—to personally ensure that every resident is aware of every detail of every issue, application, or decision underway at any given moment. Municipal operations involve an enormous number of moving parts. From zoning applications and permit reviews to infrastructure projects, budget planning, environmental assessments, and community events, the volume of activity is constant. Our responsibility as a government is to communicate clearly, transparently, and in accordance with the law. The public’s responsibility is to pay attention.
In the Village of Sea Cliff, we go above and beyond the minimum legal requirements when it comes to public notice and community involvement. We are committed to a governance model that values transparency, fairness, and participation in all areas, not just zoning.
For example, New York State law often only requires that notice of a public hearing be published in a designated newspaper. But Sea Cliff doesn’t stop there. For certain matters, such as zoning variances, our Village Code requires that we also mail notice to all property owners within 200 feet of the subject property and that the applicant provides a notarized affidavit confirming that those mailings occurred. We post notices on the village website, display signage when appropriate, and include items on public meeting agendas that are distributed in advance.
Despite these efforts, meaningful civic engagement can only happen when residents commit to being informed. That means reading the notices published in the official newspaper, checking the village website regularly, signing up for email alerts, and attending public meetings when issues of interest arise. It means taking personal responsibility for staying plugged in—not waiting until after a decision is made to get involved.
It’s also worth noting that social media, while helpful for community conversation, is not an official vehicle for government communication. Misinformation spreads easily online, and posts shared on Facebook, Instagram, or message boards often reflect opinion, not fact. We do not govern through social media. Public notices are issued through legally recognized channels to inform the public and uphold due process—not to debate policy or facilitate informal commentary.
Understanding the role of public notices also means recognizing that every property owner has a legal right to apply for relief, exceptions, or permits—even if neighbors object. Whether an application involves a zoning variance, site plan modification, tree removal, or business operation, the mere existence of public opposition does not negate an applicant’s legal right to be heard.
That is why we have bodies like the Zoning Board of Appeals, the Planning Board, and the board of trustees—to provide structured, impartial venues for evaluating applications, hearing public input, and making legally sound decisions.
These boards are guided by law which is applied after careful review of each application’s facts. Public input is always welcome and carefully considered, but it must be submitted through the appropriate channels—by speaking at hearings, submitting written comments, or asking questions in advance of meetings. Showing up after a decision has been made and demanding a reversal is not how local democracy functions.
A healthy democracy depends on a shared understanding: government must be transparent and accessible, and citizens must be informed and involved. The entire system —of public notice, open hearings, and decision-making boards—is the backbone of local self-governance. But it only works if the community engages. Governance is not a spectator sport. The people of Sea Cliff deserve a local government that works for them, and we strive every day to provide exactly that. But we also need residents to take an active role—by reading the notices, attending the meetings, and voicing their perspectives through the correct processes.
If you care about what happens in your neighborhood, we encourage you to stay engaged, get informed early, and make your voice heard. Democracy requires participation. It doesn’t work unless we all do our part.
Democracy isn’t’ easy – but it is worth the effort. Step forward and be a part of it. Your community will be all the better for your participation.
Elena Villafane is the mayor of Sea Cliff.
