LIBERTY – During the December first meeting, the Liberty Town Board heard an overview of the Hudson Valley Community Preservation Act and the potential impact that it could have on Sullivan County from Cora Edwards during the public participation segment. 

Edwards explained that the idea first took shape earlier this year when county legislator Matt McPhillips introduced the measure at county level. Since then, Assemblywoman Paula Kay has signed on as a co-sponsor for it in Albany. Edwards said that Kay was, “confident it would pass because it’s basically a home rule designation.”

The act would establish a conservation fund supported by a 0.50 percent real estate transfer fee. She emphasized that the fee only applies when the property changes hands and would not raise taxes for existing homeowners. The funds collected would then be used for things such as farmland protection, aquifer preservation, critical environmental areas and archaeological sites such as tribal burial grounds.

To further express the idea, she shared that a recent Swan Lake home sale closed at $810,000, far above the original listing price. Under the act, she explained that a portion of the transaction would have gone into the fund. Edwards also noted that communities such as Orange County and the town of Warwick have built up substantial reserves through similar programs.

Edwards shared that an upcoming informational session on the topic, hosted by the Bashakill Area Association, was scheduled for January 10 from noon until 4 p.m. at the Mamakating Environmental Center. McPhillips is expected to discuss the proposal followed by a presentation from Michael Sweeton of the Orange County Land Trust. She added that all are welcome to attend as it is a free event, but to RSVP so the organizers know how many to expect for refreshments.