Intern Christopher Lin proposes permit-based drone ordinance for Greenburgh town property

Christopher Lin, a rising senior at Edgemont High School and an intern to the town supervisor, presented a draft ordinance on Aug. 4 to the Greenburgh Town Board that would extend existing park rules to all town‑owned property and create a permit system for civilian drone flights.

"I even earned my FAA certification," Lin said in his presentation, describing his experience building and flying drones and explaining he drafted a 14‑page memo and a proposed ordinance to balance public safety and recreational use. Lin told the board he found the town's existing Parks & Recreation rule (section 3(h)) mentions model airplanes, kites and rockets but does not address modern unmanned aircraft and that no times or places are currently designated for such activity in town parks.

Board members responded with detailed questions about exemptions, enforcement and legal risk. The Chair said the draft appeared "excellent" and suggested forwarding the proposal to the town attorney and the county for review, and aiming for a public hearing in October. Lin said the ordinance as drafted targets civilian use and includes exemptions for law enforcement and emergency response.

The presentation and discussion centered on three practical issues: (1) whether town employees who fly drones for town events would be treated as civilians or exempt, (2) how the town would avoid federal preemption by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and (3) how the ordinance would protect privacy (for example, defining areas with a "reasonable expectation of privacy").

Council members praised Lin's research but urged the town to tighten ambiguous wording before adopting any local law. The board asked Lin to work with legal staff and the police community advisory board to refine definitions and enforcement language before a formal public hearing.