What follows is an outline of the process to be followed if the voters accept the Open Space Ballot proposal on November 7.
1. If the referendum passes on November 7, the Town Board will appoint a Committee of 9 members, “The Acquisitions Committee,” to serve at the pleasure of the Town Board.
The purpose of the Open Space Acquisitions Committee is to promote the increase and enhancement of permanent open space assets within the Town of Pound Ridge. Properties considered to serve this public purpose must be consistent with the goals of the Town Plan of Development, provide a positive environmental purpose and be selected according to additional specific criteria to be developed by the committee, reviewed by the Planning Board, and referred to the Town Board for final approval.
a. Committee prepares draft of criteria to be used in the selection of property proposed to be acquired. Target Date is February 1.
b. Town Board meets with Committee, Planning Board Chair, Conservation Board Chair and Water Control Commission Chair to review proposed criteria and to approve, approve with certain modifications and/or amendments or to disprove the proposed criteria. Target date, February 15.
c. Committee uses approved criteria to determine intended property acquisition proposals.
Review Process - Basically Follows Special Use Permit Process
1. Committee applies to Town Board for approval to acquire criteria specific property. Application should include a financial acquisition proposal to be included in the final Town Board review, i.e., gift, easement, purchase/grant combination, or outright purchase using a bond or other creative financing to achieve the intended result.
a. Town Board — Decides oii the merits of the proposal. The Town Board either forwards the proposal to Planning Board or disapproves the application. If forwarded to Planning Board...
b. Committee applies to Planning Board for review. Planning Board meets in concert with Water Control Commission and Conservation Board to review criteria specific property for acquisition.
2. Planning Board has 45 days from date of referral for review and return to the Town Board. Planning Board should use appropriate WCC and/or CB assistance in reaching a decision.
a. Approval /disapproval should be in writing and must outline the specifics of the match between criteria and proposed property and/or the disparity between criteria and proposed property. It should include WCC and CB reports.
3. Assuming a positive referral from the Planning Board, the Town Board reviews referral documents, walks property, makes final decision on acquisition of property and financing proposal within 45 days of receipt of referrals.
In addition, the Nature Conservancy has mapped 200 properties in town that are prime for view sheds, rural character, etc. They will be approached for Conservation Easements et al.
Click here for our town's Master Plan from 1981