New City, NY– The Clarkstown Town Board has unanimously passed a resolution calling for the state legislature to enact the “Clarkstown Community Preservation Act.” If passed, this law would allow for the creation of the Clarkstown Community Preservation Fund and a PDR (Purchase of Development Rights) program that can be used to conserve and protect open space, farmland, water sources, natural resources, historical landmarks, and more.
The Town Board made this legislative request on behalf of many residents who have reached out seeking additional measures to protect open space and natural resources in town and upon receiving the unified support for this legislation from the town Greenway Commission.
The Community Preservation Fund program is the strongest existing tool for local governments to conserve and protect open space, farmland, water sources, natural resources, historical landmarks, and more. Last legislative session Orangetown received state authorization to launch a program, Warwick in Orange County and Redhook in Dutchess have successfully used it for decades and municipalities in Westchester, Putnam, Dutchess, and Ulster counties have already received countywide authorization from their state representatives to establish Community Preservation fund programs.
Community Preservation Funds enactment is a mutli-step process. First legislation must be passed by the State Assembly and Senate and signed by the governor. Following state approval the program is submitted to town voters for approval in a public referendum. Once approved, the town estimates over $5 million a year in additional funding, required to be used to conserve and protect open space, farmland, water sources, natural resources, historical landmarks, would be generated.
Supervisor George Hoehmann stated, “The Town Board is unified in calling for the state legislature to enact the Clarkstown Community Preservation Act. Community preservation funds would provide the strongest currently available tool to the town to conserve and protect open space, farmland, water sources, natural resources, historical landmarks, and more. As has been a hallmark of my administration, I will continue to work in bipartisan fashion to protect our community and advance innovative solutions to keep Clarkstown the greatest place to live, work, retire, and raise a family.”
Councilman Jon Valentino stated, “As your Councilman, I have made the commitment to work closely with the Town’s newly established Greenway Commission to protect our community and our open space and natural resources. I urge the state legislature to act immediately so Clarkstown residents can benefit from these critical preservation funds programs.”
Councilman Mike Graziano stated, “My Ward is known for its quaint yet exceptional natural beauty and is home to many of Clarkstown’s historic treasures. I am committed to preserving what makes our community special, so the residents who have worked tirelessly to build their lives here can continue to feel proud to call it home.”
Councilman Don Franchino stated, “Investing in our community has always been one of my priorities. Whether it was helping expand the fields at Nanuet Little League or working with residents to build the Highview ‘Castle’ Playground, those projects showed what’s possible when we dedicate resources to the places where families gather. A Community Preservation Fund would present Clarkstown with further opportunities to protect open space and invest in community amenities so the posterity of Nanuet families have the same opportunities to play, grow, and build memories right here at home. The state legislature must act immediately to provide Clarkstown residents with these additional preservation tools.
Councilman Bob Axelrod stated, “I want to thank Supervisor George Hoehmann and the Town Board for sponsoring this significant resolution. I would also like to give a special thank you to the Town’s Greenway Commission for advising the Town Board to move forward with this important legislation. Initiatives like this demonstrate our shared commitment to protecting the character of our community while investing in the amenities and resources that make Clarkstown such a great place to live. I strongly urge our state representatives to sign on and pass the Clarkstown Community Preservation Act.”
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