Clarkstown Applies for Community Preservation Act

Act has potential to bring in additional $5 million a year

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 multi-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.