Bill > A06149

This bill authorizes the town of Wawayanda to establish a community preservation fund and impose a real estate transfer tax to support it. The bill creates a comprehensive framework for preserving community character by allowing the town to collect up to three-quarters of one percent tax on real estate transfers, with the revenues deposited into a dedicated fund. The community preservation fund can be used for various purposes including preserving open spaces, agricultural lands, wildlife habitats, historic places, and creating parks and nature preserves. The town must create an advisory board to review potential land acquisitions, develop a community preservation project plan, and ensure transparency in land use decisions. The fund has strict guidelines about how lands can be used and managed, emphasizing preservation of natural and cultural resources while allowing limited public access. The tax is subject to a mandatory referendum, and the provisions are designed to protect local environmental and agricultural interests by providing a mechanism for strategic land conservation. The bill includes detailed definitions, tax collection procedures, exemptions, and provisions for judicial review, and is set to expire on December 31, 2050.

Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A6149