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HomeMy WebLinkAboutLP-04/20/1995LAND PRESERVATION COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES OF APRIL 20, 1995 Present were: Joe Gold Jim Rich Jim Pim Michael Croteau Benny Orlowski, Planning Board Member Joe discussed with the committee the list of factors to be considered in land selection for both farmland selection and open space selection. The criteria is similar. A few changes were made in the list. A motion was made by Jim Pim and seconded by Michael Croteau that the committee accept this list of factors to be considered in land selection. All were in favor. (See attached list.) The committee reviewed the Thornton Smith property. Joe had walked the property with Tim Caufield of the Peconic Land Trust. A motion was made by Michael Croteau and seconded by Jim Pim that Andrew Stype of Stype Brothers Real Estate be contracted to do an appraisal on this property. All were in favor. This recommendation will be forwarded to the Town Board. The committee discussed the Bertram S. Holder application and it was decided that a letter be written to Mr. Holder stating that this property does not qualify for purchase, as it is not in current agricultural production. The John Sepenoski application was reviewed and a motion was mad~ by Jim Rich and seconded by Jim Pim to recommend to the Town Board that Andrew Stype be contracted to do an appraisal on this property. All were in favor. With no further business to be conducted, the meeting was adiourned at 9:05 p.m. Enclosure Respectfully submitted, · Wilkins, Secretary LAND PRESERVATION COMMITTEE FACTORS TO BE CONSIDERED ItN LAND SELECTION The Town Code, defining the purpose for the Open Space program, states that the acquisition of open space or open area in lands located in the Town is in the public interest, and a proper purpose of the Town. In defining the Agricultural Lands Preservation program, the Code states that the acqu/sifion of development rights in land located in the Town, and used in bona fide agricultural production will conserve, protect and encourage the improvement of prime agricultural lands both for the production of food and the preservation of open space. These two programs thus have similar, but not identical, goals. The Land Preservation Committee is given the responsibility of recommending to the Board the purchase of fee simple or lesser interest in real property. In order for the Land Preservation Committee to fulfill its duty to the Town Board and to the citizens of the town it must acquire property, or the development fights to property, of the utmost benefit to the entire Town. To this end the following factors, as well as others applicable to specific circumstances, may be considered in reviewing the relative benefit to the Town ora specific parcel. Farmland Selection Factors: I. In current, bona fide, agricultural production (Required by the Code) 2. Soil quality 3. Farmer-Owner Open Space Selection Factors: 1. Special features; historical, topographical 2. Property in relatively natural undisturbed condition 3. Property includes significant wildlife habitats 4. Property, is visible to the public/'rom highways, waterways or recreational areas. Common Selection Factors: 1. Property buffers agricultural land, wildlife habitats, or waterways. 2. Property is adjacent or near other publicly or privately preserved lands. 3. The development of the property would impair scenic x, iews. 4. The property is of sufficient size that its significant features are likely to remain intact tn sp/te of nearby development. 5. Property affects the integrity of a significant watershed area, creek, pond, or other body of water.