Astorino Questions Legality Of Cuomo's Executive Order On Homeless
WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino said he's taking a close look at Gov. Andrew Cuomo's executive order to force the homeless off the streets in freezing weather.
Astorino said he's not sure about the legality of the order, which takes effect statewide on Tuesday.
"We don't want them to be on the street, we provide temporary shelter, we provide permanent shelter, and we aggressively go out and try to get people off the street," Astorino told WCBS 880's Sean Adams. "The question is, if they're mentally competent and they say they don't want to go, is there legal authority to physically remove them and put them into a place that they choose not to go to? Generally speaking, you need a court order to do that."
Cuomo said the order will protect the state's growing homeless population and people from hypothermia and potential death. The governor said it also requires homeless shelters to extend hours if necessary.
But Astorino said he is also concerned about the potential cost.
"We would respectfully request that if this is going to be an order from the state, that it's 100 percent reimbursable because we're all dealing with very difficult budgets right now," he said.
As part of the order, Cuomo said the state will "assist local social services districts if they are lacking facilities resources or expertise."
Overall, Astorino said the homeless population in Westchester is on the decline.