Position on Open Space Initiatives in the Hudson Valley

There has been considerable discussion by residents, business leaders and public officials about the need to preserve the unique characteristics of the Hudson Valley that make it a desirable place to live and work. An important part of the discussions focus on the preservation of open space. However, equally as important to these discussions are the need to attract and preserve good jobs, grow our tax base, and provide attainable housing for all segments of our population, including young people who want to raise their families here, and senior citizens who wish to retire in the Hudson Valley.

A variety of programs have been put on the table to meet these goals, including a wide range of funding mechanisms, but the BAHV feels there are five critical issues that must be addressed before supporting any or all of these proposals, and its accompanying funding:

1. An overall plan must be developed to identify the criteria to be used in selecting open space parcels and then the parcels themselves need to be identified.
2. The plan must include an overall program for growth and funding for the development of sewer, water and road infrastructure in areas appropriate for the residential and commercial growth that is needed. The development of public sewer and water will allow for more creatively planned communities at higher densities than presently allowed, which in turn allows for the set aside of critical open space. The county and/or inter-municipal planning boards should play an important role in the foregoing so that professional planning expertise is utilized to develop realistic, coordinated and comprehensive plans.
3. The expenditure of funds for open space acquisition must be tied to the provision of an ample supply of land for residential, commercial, recreational and industrial uses in each municipality's zoning and subdivision laws, including housing for different segments of the population. Smart Growth techniques, which include innovative land use techniques such as higher density and mixed-use developments, clustering and transfers of development rights, must be encouraged.
4. Funding must be provided for the education of planning board and municipal board officials with regard to planning and zoning issues and needs.
5. Revenue sources identified or proposed must be proportionate to the needs identified. The revenue sources might include a bonding or loan program for infrastructure development, county purchase of development rights and resale for use on appropriate parcels, dedication of a portion of existing sales tax, or creation of a new funding source.

The Builders Association of the Hudson Valley, Inc. is committed to working with residents, business leaders, school and public officials to maintain and grow our Hudson Valley. We feel the above issues are paramount to achieving the long-term goals of our citizens, our communities and our counties.