The Appellate Division, Second Judicial Department has upheld a decision in favor of Westchester County in the case of Bronxville Scout Committee v County of Westchester. The Court's decision affirms that the plaintiff, Bronxville Scout Committee Inc, does not hold legal title to Scout Cabin at Scout Field and that the Cabin and land belongs to all the people of Westchester County.
Westchester County Attorney John Nonna said: “This decision reaffirms the County's rightful ownership and ensures that our public resources are protected for the benefit of all residents not just a select few. With this concept in mind, that Scout Cabin at Scout Field belongs to all of us, we are nevertheless reaching out to the people who have wrongfully claimed ownership of the Cabin and see if we can come to a resolution for a path forward.”
In the case (Index No. 67854/21), the Bronxville Scout Committee sought to assert exclusive property rights under Real Property Actions and Proceedings Law (RPAPL) Article 15, claiming ownership free of any estate, trust, or interest from the County or any other party. The Court's decision also directs the Supreme Court, Westchester County, to enter a judgment declaring that the Bronxville Scout Committee does not hold the exclusive property rights or legal title to the property, ensuring that the County’s interests are protected.
Westchester County Executive George Latimer said: “We have always been supportive of Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts and the values they teach. And, my administration has long been committed to transparency and access to facilities and recreation – for all County residence. In regards to the matter of Scout Cabin at Scout Field we bluntly had a situation that spun out of control for decades, the Courts at trial and appellate levels, have now rectified it once and for all.”
Scout Field, where Scout Cabin is located, sits within Bronxville, Mount Vernon and Yonkers, and has 22.9 acres of land that can be utilized for walking, biking, running, nature study as well as baseball fields. The park touches the Bronx River Pathway and is a scenic location to take a break and enjoy the natural world the park has to offer.
Latimer said: “We plan on making Scout Cabin at Scout Field available, at no cost, to all Westchester Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. We are prepared to work with the BSC Inc., or any group, to manage the property, under our aegis, for the benefit of all scouts. The Cabin needs to be safe and accessible – and that is the Scout’s truth.”