March 20, 2006

New York State Assembly Passes Community Preservation Act

Bill Gives Cities & Towns Power to Protect Natural, Historic Heritage

(Albany, NY)—Environmental Advocates of New York today praised the State Assembly for passing legislation that will give New York towns a powerful new tool to preserve community character. Known as the Community Preservation Act, the law gives municipalities the power to voluntarily create a fund dedicated to protecting natural areas and water resources, working farms, and historic buildings. The Community Preservation Act benefits New Yorkers by removing the obstacle of seeking legislative approval to fund local efforts.

“We applaud the Assembly for giving New York’s cities and towns the power to preserve their natural and historic integrity,” said Robert Moore, Executive Director of Environmental Advocates of New York. “We especially thank Assemblyman Tom DiNapoli, the bill’s sponsor, for his leadership in moving the Community Preservation Act through the Assembly.”

The Community Preservation Act now moves to the Senate where it is sponsored by Senator Carl Marcellino and has more than enough votes to pass; thirty-two Senators have already requested to cosponsor the bill. Introduced in the Assembly in 2004, the bill enjoys bi-partisan support and majority sponsorship in both houses. Governor Pataki has also announced his support for the policy, which is echoed by a growing coalition of more than 50 conservation, farm, historic preservation, and municipal organizations, including the New York Farm Bureau and the New York Association of Towns.

Cities and towns across New York face increasing pressure from development. As proposals for subdivisions, strip malls, and office parks come forward, local officials must balance the potential of economic growth with the need to preserve their natural heritage. Guided by local leaders, the Community Preservation Act creates a pay-as-you-go system to support preservation efforts. Towns choose how to support their efforts—a small real estate transfer fee, bond money, property tax revenue, or gifts of land—and then hold a local referendum.

The Community Preservation Act is one of four environmental “Super Bills.” The Super Bills are chosen by the Green Panel, a group of environmental leaders from nearly a dozen different organizations from across New York State.

For more information on the Community Preservation Act, visit: www.savenys.org.