Bill > A02022

This bill authorizes the town of Chester to establish a community preservation fund and impose a real estate transfer tax to support it. The bill allows the town board to create a local law establishing a fund that can receive revenues from various sources, including a real estate transfer tax of up to 0.75% on property conveyances. The community preservation fund has specific purposes, including preserving open spaces, agricultural lands, scenic areas, wildlife habitats, historic properties, and creating parks or recreation areas. The town must create an advisory board to review and recommend property acquisitions, with board members having experience in conservation and including at least one active farmer. The town must also develop a comprehensive community preservation project plan that prioritizes farmland preservation and evaluates different land preservation strategies. The fund can be used to acquire property interests, manage preserved lands, and potentially establish a transfer of development rights program. The bill includes detailed provisions about tax collection, exemptions, and how the funds can be used, with a mandatory referendum required for implementing the tax. The legislation is specifically tailored to the town of Chester and will expire on December 31, 2045.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs, Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A2022