Issue 2, October 31, 2000                                               Edited by Christine Butcher

What Have Other Towns Done?

The need to preserve open lands is becoming increasingly clear. Communities across the country are recognizing that protection of open spaces does more than beautify the landscape.  It relieves pressures on town services. It helps protect the quality of the schools. It creates opportunities for farmlands and recreation.  And it protects property values throughout the community.

Recognizing these benefits,  more and more communities are deciding  that open space is an investment worth funding.  In fact, in 1999,  there were 102 referenda in 22 states, with 90%  of them achieving  passage. A total of more than $1.8 billion dollars were approved for purchasing and preserving open lands and new park lands.

Property Taxes

 Fifteen towns in Cape Cod approved new three percent property tax assessments to finance open space purchases. In an editorial in the Cape Codder, realtors advised readers that the assessment, about $50 a year on average, was a sound investment to protect property values. 

In New Jersey, Westampton, West Amwell, Tewksbury, Springfield,  Pohatcong, Plainsboro, Millstone, Lawrence, and Roseland have all approved property tax assesments  devoted to open space preservation.

Bond Issues

The town of Glendale, Arizona chose to use a bond issue approach for a major land purchase effort.  The  $53.7 million bond issue passed by a margin of more than two to one.  Homer Township, Illinois, approved an $8 million bond issue for open space protection. 

Nearer home, towns approving bond issues include Glastonbury and Rocky Hill, CT.  The village of Stowe, VT passed a $350, 000 bond issue for the purpose of open space acquisition.  In NH, Northfield used a bond to purchase 85 acres, and London-derry used one to protect its apple orchards.

Matching Funds

 Some efforts have been state- wide.  For example, Rhode Island voters approved, by a two to one majority, a $15 million bond for protecting farmland and acquiring and developing bikeways, greenways, and state parks. 

The measure provides $5 million for state farmland easement purchases and park improvements and $10 million for regional and local bike paths and greenways, with an emphasis on local matching grants for projects consistent with the state’s  Greenspace and Greenway Plan.