The regents, or such bureau, division or officers of the university or of the education department as may be designated by them for such purpose, shall 1. Determine and establish the correct historical and etymological form of the place names in this state and recommend the adoption of such correct forms for public use. 2. Determine the form and propriety of new place names proposed for general use, and no corporation, individual or community shall introduce such new place names without the consent and approval of this board. 3. Co-operate with the United States board of geographic names and with the United States post-office department in establishing a proper, correct and historically accurate form for all place names proposed as designations of new post-offices. 4. No petition or recommendation for the naming of any mountain, lake, river or other natural object for or in honor of any living person shall be granted, approved or consented to by the regents of the university or by the committee on geographic names appointed by it except by unanimous vote.
New York Legal Code