Full Notification

Dear Bedford residents and visitors,

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 global pandemic, and the subsequent state of emergency issued at the Federal, State and Local levels, we are providing the following information for clarification on the most recent frequently asked questions at our police dispatch center:

1. Are Town of Bedford Parks and School grounds open?
ALL town park and school playgrounds, sports fields and courts are closed entirely and use of those areas for any group activity is prohibited (a “group activity” for the purposes of this restriction is meant to mean any activity that involves more than one singular person within 6ft of any other person). In addition, it should be noted that Town Parks as well as the BCSD Fox Lane Campus are also closed to ANY non-emergency vehicular traffic.
The Police Department has responded to numerous calls reporting groups of people gathering at the parks, schools, tailgating in our municipal parking lots and even having backyard BBQ parties over the past few days, all in violation of Governor Cuomo’s executive order. This order expressly prohibits non-essential gatherings of individuals of ANY size for ANY reason (this includes private parties, celebrations, or other social events.) Please respect the boundaries that have been established. It is in ALL of our best interest.

2. What is considered an “essential” business?
ALL non-essential businesses are to remain closed. A full, detailed list of what is deemed an essential business can be found at https://esd.ny.gov/guidance-executive-order-2026. The majority of calls for service that the police have answered regarding this order have involved landscaping and construction services. For construction work, see point #9 on the website list, and landscaping services are not considered essential but is permitted if performed by one single employee (local regulations/ordinances for equipment use still apply). Authorized construction activity that qualifies as “essential”, must still practice social distancing of at least 6 feet on-site.

**Some may not be aware that New York State, specifically the NYC metro area including Westchester County, currently has the highest level of community transmission cases of Covid-19 in the United States. Failure to comply with the Governors executive orders can threaten the health and well-being of everyone around us and may result in fines and/or misdemeanor arrest under New York State Executive Law Section 24, New York State Public Health Law Section 12, and New York State Penal Law 195.05 and/or 240.45(1). **

We are all in this together, and respecting one another in this uncertain time is of utmost importance. Please stay home unless absolutely necessary. The sacrifices we all make today can have a significant impact on the duration of this crisis.
Thank you for your cooperation and commitment to help overcome the challenge we all currently face. Rest assured your Bedford Police Department is fully operational and ready to help our community in any way we can. Please be safe, together is the only way we will get through this crisis.

Chief Melvin Padilla
Bedford Police Department