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HomeMy WebLinkAboutFederal Farmland Protection MELISSA A. SPIRO LAND PRESERVATION COORDINATOR Town Hall, 53095 State Route 25 P.O. Box 1179 Southold, New York 11971-0959 Telephone (631) 765-5711 Fax (631) 765-1366 DEPARTMENT OF LAND PRESERVATION TOWN OF SOUTHOLD TO: FROM: Senator Charles E. Schumer Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton Congressman Timothy Bishop Allan S. Connell, District Conservationist Southold Town Board Elizabeth Neville, Town Clerk Spiro, Land Preservation Coordinator~ Melissa 2003 Federal Farmland Protection Program DATE: May 16, 2003 Attached is an abridged version of the Town of Southold's proposal to the United States Department of Agriculture for funding under the 2003 Federal Farmland Protection Program. The full proposal, with all attachments and exhibits, was sent to Albany on May 16, 2003. If you would like additional information pertaining to the proposal, please contact me at (631) 765-5711. Encl. JOSHUA Y. HORTON SUPERVISOR . .. Town Hall, 53095 Route 25 · -P.O. Box 11-79 ....... Southold, New York 11971-0959 Fax (631) 765-1823 Telephone (631) 765-1889 OFFICE OF THE SUPERVISOR TOWN OF SOUTHOLD May 14, 2003 Joseph DelVecchio, State Conservationist ATT: Marilyn Stephenson, FPP Program Manager USDA-NRCS Leo O'Brien Federal Building Room 333 Albany, New York 12207 RE: 2003 Federal Farmland Protection Program Dear Mr. DelVecchio, On behalf of the Town of Southold, I am pleased to submit the enclosed proposal to the United States Department of Agric~lture for funding to help facilitate the Town's farmland protection efforts. The Town of Southold has been actively committed to farmland protection for the past 17 years and, to date, has protected seventy farmland parcels, totaling 1370 acres. Funding from the USDA's 2003 Farmland Protection Program will enable the Town to continue our critical farmland preservation efforts and to provide the community with significant environmental and economic benefits. Our goal is to protect eighty percent (80%) of the town's approximately 6,900 farmland acres. While this proposal requests matching funds for only five (5) farms, the Town is working with 11 additional applicants whose farmland acreage totals more then 250 acres and is conducting outreach with over 30 additional landowners. This Proposal seeks a maximum of $1,251,625 in matching funds from the USDA to purchase development rights on approximately 98 acres of prime unprotected farmland situated within the Town of Southold. The Town has committed funds from it's over 6 million dollar Community Preservation Fund to match the proposed USDA grant. Please note that in addition to this revenue source, the Town has three (3) voter approved un- issued bonds totaling an additional 6 million dollars. The proposed acquisition of development rights on the subject farmland parcels are supported by the Suffolk County Agricultural and Farmland Protections Plan, the Town's Community Preservation Project Plan,.the Town's Faire and Farmland Pro~ection.. Strategy and ~h'e Town's Comprehensive Plan. On behalf of our community, I want to thank you for the opportunity to submit the attached proposal and I ask that you support our request for grant funding. The Tovm of Southold looks forward to working with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service to preserve our important agricultural resources. Sincerely, Supervisor cc: Town Board Senator Charles E. Schumer Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton Congressman Timothy Bishop Melissa Spiro, Land Preservation Coordinator Allan S. Connell, District Conservationist Elizabeth Neville, Town Clerk Attachments ELIZABETH A. NEVILLE TOWN CLERK REGISTRAR OF VITAL STATISTICS · 1VI. ARRtAGE OFFICER " RECORDS MANAGEMENT OFFICER FREEDOM OF INFORMATION OFFICER Town Hall, 53095 Main Road P.O. Box 1179 Southold, New York 11971 . Fax (.631) 765:6145 Telephone (631) 765-1800' southoldtown.northfork.net OFFICE OF THE TOWN cLERK' TOWN OF SOUTHOLD THIS IS TO CERTIFY THAT THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION NO. 252 OF 2003 WAS ADOPTED AT THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE SOUTHOLD TOWN BOARD ON APRIL 22, 2003: RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Southold hereby authorizes submission of a 2003 proposal to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Commodity. Credit Corporation Farmland Protection Program, whereby the Town of Southold proposes a cooperative effort to acquire the development rights to agricultural properties which have been submitted by their owners to the Land Preservation Committee of the Town of Southold for sale of such rights to the Town of Southold, in accordance with the terms of the Farmland Protection Program. Elizabeth A. Neville Southold Town Clerk CRITERIA FOR PROPOSAL EVALUATION 1. ORGANIZATION AND PROGRAMS: (a) Commitment. t.o Agriculture: Since.its founding over 350 years ago, the Town of Southold (the Town) has been a farming commtinity. Throughout the years, the Town has seen many changes including substantial population increase and, consequently, the encroachment of development. Of the Town's approximately 34,000 acres, farmland still comprises a substantial portion---over 10,200 acres. According to 1997 data, the Town contained 22% of Suffolk County's remaining agricultural acreage. Agricultural production is of vital importance to the character of the Town and its economy. Town residents have shown their commitment to agriculture by approving bond issuances in 1983, 1987, 1991 and 1994 for $1.75 million apiece and again in 1996, 1997, 1998 and 1999, for $2 million a piece. In June of 1998, the Peconic Bay Region Community Preservation Act was signed into law, which created a mechanism whereby Southold Town can use a 2% real estate transfer tax to acquire properties critical to the preservation of agricultural land and open space within the Town. The Town adopted a Community Preservation Project Plan (Exhibit A) in accordance with the legislation that lists parcels eligible for consideration under the terms of the Community Preservation Fund. In August of 2002, the 2% real estate tax was extended to the year 2020. Also in 1999, the Town commissioned a full farmland inventory and in 2000, unanimously adopted a Farm and Farmland Protection Strategy (Exhibit B). Over the past 17 years, since the Town's first purchase of development .rights, the Town has protected seventy (70) farmland parcels, totaling 1370 acres. Through its Code, the Town also helps to protect agriculture with a 50% cluster development provision and a "Right to Farm" clause. (b). Acquisition, Management and Enforcement:. Acquisition: As discussed above, the Town is very active and has been very successful in its farmland protection efforts. To date, the Town has protected seventy (70) farmland parcels, totaling 1,370 acres (see list, Exhibit C). Over the last 2 years, the Town has protected 293 acres at a cost of $4,218,838. Additionally, Suffolk County has helped to protect 1,449 acres within the Town since its first purchase in 1977 (see list, Exhibit D). The Town of Southold's goal is to protect eighty percent (80%) of its approximately 6,900 unprotected farmland acres. While this proposal requests matching funds for only five (5) farms, the Town is under serious discussions with an additional eleven (11) landowners who own farmland totaling over 250 acres. In addition, outreach efforts are underway with many other farmland owners. The Town employs a full-time Land Preservation Coordinator, a Preservation Assistant, a part- time Stewardship Manager and has an active 7 member Land Preservation Committee. The Town's pro-active efforts include: direct outreach to farmland owners through the Coordinator, committee members and staff members of Peconic Land Trust via a consulting contract, mailings and educational literature (see--A Pro~oerty Owner's Guide to Preserving Farmland and Olden Space--Exhibit E). Management and Enforcement--The Town's Land Preservation Coordinator compiles Baseline Documentation for each easement with the assistance of the Town's GIS Specialist and consultant~, as/iedes~ar~.'' The Ba'~eiiff~'Dodumentation 'inclddes h si]~ey, USGS map,' aerial" photograph, tax map, photographs of property and copy of deed of the development rights and enables the Town to manage and enforce easements. The Town has a strong support staff to · manage and en. force easements. The Town's Land Preservation Department, through its Conunittee, consultants and Buildings and Grounds Department' monitors each parcel at least annually. The Town's Code Enforcement Official, with the assistance of the Town Attorney's Office, enforces any easement violations. (c) Stewardship: As stated above, the Town's Land Preservation Coordinator has Baseline Documentation for each easement. The Town has a dedicated Stexvardship Manager in addition to the Town's Land Preservation Coordinator and Committee, consultants, and Buildings and Grounds Department. Each property is monitored at least annually. (d) Availability of Funds: The Town has committed funds through its voter approved Community Preservation Fund described above. As of April 14, 2003, the Town has over $6,000,000 in its Community Preservation Fund to match the proposed USDA grant. In addition to this revenue source, the Town has three (3) voter approved un-issued bonds totaling anotl~er $6,000,000. (e) Pending Offers: See attached letters with pending offers and appraisals following each project description. 2. LANDS TO BE ACQUIRED: (a) Map: See attached map sho~ving proposed farmland development rights acquisition parcels. (b) Amount and Source of Funds: The Town has committed over $6i000,000 in funds from its Community Preservation Fund to match the proposed USDA grant. In addition to this revenue source, the Town has three (3) voter approved un-issued bonds totaling an additional $6,000,000. (c) Criteria Used to Set Acquisition Priorities: The five proposed projects meet objectives outlined in the New York State Open Space Conservation Management Plan (Exhibit F), the Suffolk County Agricultural and Farmland Protection Plan (Exhibit G), the Suffolk County Code, Chapter 8, Agricultural Lands (Exhibit H), the Town's Community Preserx,-t;,,,, Plan (Exhibit A), Southold Farm and Farmland Protection Strategy (Exhibit B) ~ld the Code criteria, Chapter 6, Community Preservation Fund and Chapter 25, Agricultural Lands Preservation (Exhibit I) for farmland protection. Criteria used to numerically rank the five projects in include: Soil suitability for agricultural use and history of agricultural production; · Visibility/frontage on major thoroughfares; · Contiguity with other protected agricultural lands; · Development potential and threat; and · Conservation commitment of landowner. (x) Acc'essibility to Markets': The ffirmers in the ToWn of S6uthold ha;Ce ac'c~ssibilit~?' to' b$~h ' retail and wholesale markets. There is a very strong local market for the sale of fresh agricultural produce sold at roadside farm stands to residents, a significant tourist population, second homeowners and to local restaurants. Produce is also sold in local food markets and is featured in iarger'shpermarket chains that'sei-ve 'ail of Long Island such'as King Kullen. Additionally,. the New York City markets (including the Hunts Point Terminal) are within approximately 90 miles to the West, Less perishable items such as potatoes are sold all along the eastern seaboard and travel as far as Puerto Rico. Long Island wines now enjoy a national market. (xi) Agricultural Infrastructure: Southold farn~ers have accessibility to significant agricultural infrastructure and resources. The following are located in Riverhead Town which abuts Southold Town: John Deere (farm equipment), Long Island Cauliflower Association (seeds, fertilizers, chemicals, etc.), Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County (agricultural research and education), Long Island Farm Bureau (farm-related support), and First Pioneer Farm Credit. In addition, there are a variety of other companies within Suffolk County that provide products and services for the farming community. (xii) Level of Threat: The Town of Southold faces significant development pressure from an expanding year-round population, a large and ever-growing demand for seasonal vacation homes and golf courses and golf course communities. The increased growth and development is placing severe pressure on the agricultural lands, water supply, open and recreational space, rural character, natural resources, and transportation infrastructure of the Town. In August 2002, the Town Board adopted a temporary moratorium on subdivisions and residential site plans. The moratorium is due to expire in August 2003. At the time the moratorium xvas enacted, the Town Planning Board had twenty-three (23) pending major subdivision applications and twenty-seven (27) pending minor subdivision applications. In 1990, the US Census Bureau defined the western edge of the adjacent Town of Riverhead as urbanized. This increasing development pressure has caused land values to skyrocket in the past few years. Only five years ago, the Town of Southold purchased development rights for approximately $6,000 an acre. Current appraisals support prices within the range of $25,000 to $30,000 per acre, with some exceeding that range. As part of the effort to protect farms from development pressure, there is a State Agricultural District in the Town. (xii) Farmland Protection Strategy: In 1999, the Town commissioned a full farmland inventory and in 2000, unanimously adopted a Farm and Farmland Protection Strategy (Exhibit B). The Purchase of Development Rights program is a vital part of the Farm and Farmland Protection Strategy, as is the continued leveraging of Town funds with matching federal and state funds dedicated for farmland preservation. (d) Lands to be Acquired Map of Proposed Projects Individual Project Information including: · Project Outline · Aerial Map · Protected Parcels Proximity Map · Pending Offer · Appraisal (See attached information for each farm) ALIANO FARM Suffolk County Tax Map #1000-83-2-17.1 (i) (ii) (iii) (iv) (v) (vO (vii) (viii) Priority of Offer: 1 Name of l~andowner: Nicholas Aliano Address: 10475 Oregon Road, Cutchogue, NY 11935 (Location map attached.) Size of property: 22 of 28.7 acres Prime Soils Coverage: 100% or 22 acres (Haven Loam: HaA and Riverhead Sandy Loam: RdB). Historical and Archaeological Significance: None known. Other Protected Parcels: Within the vicinity of approximately 228 protected acres; part of a continuous block of approximately 158 acres of existing protected and pending development right acquisitions (See attached map). Estimated Cost: $539,000 (based on accepted offer of $24,500 per acre) Mr. Aliano has owned tlfis parcel for over 25 years. The adjacent landowner's family has been farming the subject property for over 100 years. The farm is planted in potatoes. This farmland parcel has approximately 350 feet of road frontage on Oregon Road. There are 2 "tap" roads on the westerly side of the property, contributing to the high development potential of this parcel. ROWEHL FARM Suffolk County Tax Map # 1000-100-2-6.1 (i) (ii) (iii) (iv) (v) (vi) (vii) (viii) Priority of Offer: 2 Name of Landowner: Robert Rowehl Address: 2755 Oregon Road, Mattituck, NY 11952 (Location map attached.) Size of properties: 24 of 27.25 acres prime Soils Coverage: 100% or 24 acres (Haven Loams: HaA, HaB and Riverhead Sandy Loam RdB). Historical and Archaeological Significance: None known. Other Protected Parcels: Adjacent and contiguous to 36 protected acres; within the vicinity of approximately 323 protected acres; adjacent and contiguous to 35 acres of pending development right acquisitions (See attached maps). Estimated Cost: $588,000 (Based on pending offer of $24,500 per acre) Robert Rowehl has been farming this parcel for over 25 years. In addition to his 25 acres, Mr. Rowehl farms over 125 additional acres in the viCinity of his farm. The farm is a traditional Long Island farm, producing mainly corn and grain. The family is anxious to sell the development fights for estate planning purposes. Mr. Rowehl owns a five (5) acre parcel to the north of the subject parcel. He is currently reviewing an offer from the Town to purchase the development rights on the 5 acre parcel. Mr. Rowehl has an Agricultural Environmental Management (AEM) Plan which is currently being updated. The parcel has over 500 feet of road frontage on Oregon Road and 50 feet of road frontage on Sound View Avenue. The farm is enrolled in the New York State Agricultural District Program. (3ARROLL FARM Suffolk County Tax Map #1000-100-4-8 O) (ii) (iii) (iv) (v) (vi) (vii) (viii) Priority of Offer: 3 Name of Landowner: Dorset Farms Inc. (a.k.a. Peter Carroll) Address: 4100 Oregon Road, Mattituck, NY 11952 (Location map attached.) Size of Property: 3 !.5 of 33 acres Prime Soils Coverage: 95% or 29.9 acres (Haven Loams: HaA and HaB, Riverhead Sandy Loam RdA, and Plymouth Loamy Sands PlA and P1B). Historical and Archaeological Significance: None known. Other Protected Parcels: Adjacent and contiguous to 108 protected acres; within the vicinity of approximately 323 protected acres (See attached maps). Estimated Cost: $819,000 (Based on pending offer of $26,000 per acre) The Carroll family has owned and farmed this vineyard parcel for approximately 10 years. The Carroll's own and operate another 30 acre vineyard in Southold Town, on which 25 of the 30 acres have a development rights easement. The subject farm has over 480 feet of road frontage on Oregon Road. The parcel is enrolled in the New York State Agricultural District Program. MAGG FARM Suffolk County Tax Map #1000-94-3-1.3 (0 O0 (iii) (iv) (v) (vi) (vii) (viii) Priority of Offer: 4 Name of Landowner: Richard Magg Address: 3305 Oregon Road, Mattituck, NY 11952 (Location map attached.) Size of property: 10.5 of 12.5 acres Prime Soils Coverage: 100% or 10.5 acres (Haven Loam: HaA and Riverhead Sandy Loam: RdA). Historical and Archaeological Significance: None known. Other Protected Parcels: Within the vicinity of approximately 323 protected acres; adjacent and contiguous to 50 acres of pending development right acquisitions (See attached map). Estimated Cost: $257,250 (based on accepted offer of $24,500 per acre) Mr. Magg has owned this parcel for approximately 10 years. The farm is planted in corn and grain. The farmland parcel has approximately 240 feet of road frontage on Oregon Road. The property is currently for sale, thus the development potential is high. The parcel is enrolled in the New York State Agricultural District Program. MARCO FARM Suffolk County Tax Map #1000-98-1-1.3 (i) (ii) (iii) (iv) (v) (vi) (vii) (viii) Priority of Offer: 5 Name of Landowner: Philip and Patricia Marco Address: 3375 Indian Neck Lane, Peconic, NY 11958 (Location map attached.) Size of property: 10 of 14.9 acres Prime Soils Coverage: 100% or 10 acres (Haven Loams: HaA, HaB, and HaC). Historical and Archaeological Significance: None known. Other Protected Parcels: Within the vicinity of approximately 140 protected acres; within the vicinity of 135 acres (same landowner) under discussion for preservation (See attached map). Estimated Cost: $300,000 (based on pending offer of $30,000 per acre) The Marco family has owned this parcel for approximately 10 years. The Marco family owns and operates over 135 acres of farmland across the street from the subject parcel. The 135 acres are in various agricultural uses, including vineyard and nursery. The Marco's are discussing preservation options for the additional 135 acres under their ownership. The subject farm has over 1380 feet of road frontage. The Marco family is under the process of preparing an Agricultural Environmental Management (AEM) Plan.