Bill > A06097

This bill authorizes the town of Orangetown to establish a community preservation fund and implement 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 on real estate transfers, with the proceeds dedicated to specific conservation and preservation efforts. These efforts include protecting open spaces, agricultural lands, wildlife habitats, historic properties, wetlands, and other environmentally or culturally significant areas. The town must create an advisory board to review potential land acquisitions and develop a detailed preservation plan that prioritizes farmland protection. The tax is subject to a mandatory referendum, and any funds collected can only be used for preservation purposes, with no more than 10% allocated to management and stewardship. The bill also includes provisions for how acquired lands must be managed, ensuring public access while protecting ecological and scenic values. The real estate transfer tax provisions will remain in effect until December 31, 2045, after which they will automatically be repealed. Importantly, the bill includes exemptions for certain types of property transfers and provides mechanisms for judicial review and fund management.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs, Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A6097