Why You Might Be Denied Access to a FOIL Request
Certain records or portions thereof are excepted from disclosure under authority of Public Officers Law Section 87.2 (a-1). These records include those which:
- Are specifically exempted from disclosure under state or federal statute
- If disclosed, would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy
- If disclosed, would impair present or imminent contract awards or collective bargaining negotiations
- Are trade secrets or are submitted to the agency or are derived from information obtained from a commercial enterprise and which, if disclosed, would cause substantial injury to the competitive position of the subject enterprise
- Are compiled for law enforcement purposes and which if disclosed would interfere with law enforcement investigations or judicial proceedings, deprive a person of the right to a fair trial or impartial adjudication, identify a confidential source, or disclose confidential information regarding a criminal investigation, or reveal criminal investigative techniques or procedures, except routine techniques and procedures
- If disclosed would endanger the life or safety of any person
- Are inter-agency or intra-agency materials which are not statistical or factual tabulations or data, instructions to staff which affect the public or are final agency policies or determinations, are external audits, including audits performed by the comptroller and the federal government computer codes
- Are examination questions or answers which are requested prior to the final administration of such questions
A denial of access must be in writing, stating the reason for denial and advising your right to an appeal.
How to Appeal When You've Been Denied Access
If you've been denied access by the Records Access Office, you will be notified by them in writing. You have a right to appeal, but you must do so within 30 days. An appeal must be filed in writing and mailed to:
Records Appeals Officer
David VanLuven
Records Appeals Officer
Town of Bethlehem
445 Delaware Ave.
Delmar, NY 12054
FOIL Fee Schedule
There is a charge of $0.25 per page for copies, not in excess of 11 by 17 inches. A fee for copy of other records will be charged based upon the actual cost of reproduction.