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Astorino Vetoes Sanctuary Cities Law Passed by County Board of Legislators

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By Ned McCormack, Communications Director, Westchester County


Sep. 13, 2017:  In mid-August, County Executive Robert P. Astorino vetoed the Immigration Protection Act, better known as the "Sanctuary Cities" Act, passed by the Westchester Board of Legislators in early August.  

After the act was approved by the county board on August 7 in a 10-5 vote, Astorino vetoed the legislation, saying it would make Westchester a sanctuary county and would jeopardize public safety, particularly for those in the immigrant communities. It also would cost taxpayers millions of dollars and would be nearly impossible to enforce.

In explaining his veto, Astorino said: 

I am opposed to this Act because it puts public safety at risk, especially those in our immigrant communities, puts Westchester at odds with our own federal government, creates rights not available to ordinary citizens, will jeopardize approximately $13 million in federal funds, and is so confusing as to be unenforceable. It all adds up to be a dangerous idea, and for those reasons I will veto this legislation. 

Astorino further added that the federal government, not county police, is responsible for enforcing immigration laws and deportations. 

Pictured here:  County Executive Rob Astorino.

Photo courtesy the county executive's office

Government & History Directory

Bronxville Overview

Bronxville is a quaint village (one square mile) located just 16 miles north of midtown Manhattan (roughly 30 minutes on the train) and has a population of approximately 6,500. It is known as a premier community with an excellent public school (K-12) and easy access to Manhattan. Bronxville offers many amenities including an attractive business district, a hospital (Lawrence Hospital), public paddle and tennis courts, fine dining at local restaurants, two private country clubs and a community library.

While the earliest settlers of Bronxville date back to the first half of the 18th century, the history of the modern suburb of Bronxville began in 1890 when William Van Duzer Lawrence purchased a farm and commissioned the architect, William A. Bates, to design a planned community of houses for well-known artists and professionals that became a thriving art colony. This community, now called Lawrence Park, is listed on the National register of Historic Places and many of the homes still have artists’ studios. A neighborhood association within Lawrence Park called “The Hilltop Association” keeps this heritage alive with art shows and other events for neighbors.

Bronxville offers many charming neighborhoods as well as a variety of living options for residents including single family homes, town houses, cooperatives and condominiums. One of the chief benefits of living in “the village” is that your children can attend the Bronxville School.

The Bronxville postal zone (10708, known as “Bronxville PO”) includes the village of Bronxville as well as the Chester Heights section of Eastchester, parts of Tuckahoe and the Lawrence Park West, Cedar Knolls, Armour Villa and Longvale sections of Yonkers. Many of these areas have their own distinct character. For instance, the Armour Villa section has many historic homes and even has its own newsletter called “The Villa Voice” which reports on neighborhood news.

Bronxville Village "One Square Mile" Newsletter and Government Directory

Link to Village of Bronxville One Square Mile Monthly Newsletter

December 2024

Village of Bronxville Administrative Offices
337-6500
Open 9:00am - 4pm excluding holidays and weekends

Bronxville Police Department
337-0500
Open 24 hours

Bronxville Parking Violations
337-2024
Open 9:00am - 4pm excluding holidays and weekends

Bronxville Fire Deparment
793-6400

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