1. NORRIS v. TOWN OF WHEATLAND 613 N.Y.S.2d 817 (S.Ct. Monroe Cty. 1994)
Case Brief
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2. NORRIS v. TOWN OF WHEATLAND
PURPOSE: Concerns the relation of citizen and (local) government, particularly standing to sue.
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3. NORRIS v. TOWN OF WHEATLAND
CAUSE OF ACTION: Suit against town for abolishing police department, declaratory judgment sought.
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4. NORRIS v. TOWN OF WHEATLAND
FACTS: Town board members ran for election promising to abolish police department. Elected and passed a law abolishing police department. Petitioners seek a declaratory judgment to annul this action.
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5. NORRIS v. TOWN OF WHEATLAND
ISSUES:
Whether petitioners have standing despite general applicability of the local law.
Whether the Town Board complied with the State Environmental Quality Review Act.
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6. NORRIS v. TOWN OF WHEATLAND
HOLDING:
1. Yes.
2. Yes.
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7. NORRIS v. TOWN OF WHEATLAND
REASONING:
Need not show special damage because that would insulate government from scrutiny. All residents have standing in a law with pervasive effect.
The Town followed procedures which showed sufficient compliance with SEQRA.
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