FAQs
How does the CPF improve quality of life for residents in the Town of Rochester?
Clean water benefits everyone. Preserved farmland supports local farmers’ markets. Open spaces and trails provide recreation for families, and historic places preserve the Town of Rochester’s unique identity for future generations.
Does preservation benefit the local economy?
Yes. Preserved land attracts visitors, strengthens tourism, and supports local businesses. It can also reduce municipal costs by limiting expensive sprawl development.
How do we know the funds are protected?
The CPF is subject to strict legal restrictions. Funds cannot be diverted to other projects, and the program requires annual audits and public reporting for full transparency.
Does the CPF affect affordable housing?
No. A Community Preservation Fund does not take money away from affordable housing programs. It is a dedicated fund that can only be used for specific purposes such as: Protecting water resources, farmland, open spaces, forests, recreation areas or historic sites.
Do property owners have to participate?
No. Participation is completely voluntary. Landowners may choose from options like conservation easements, selling development rights, or donating land/funds. Property stays in private hands unless the owner agrees otherwise. Eminent domain is prohibited.
How does the CPF help with climate change?
Preserving open space protects aquifers and drinking water, reduces flooding risks, and limits heat islands. It also safeguards biodiversity and strengthens our community’s resilience.
Have other towns done this successfully?
Yes. Towns like New Paltz, Gardiner, Marbletown, Red Hook and Kingston have already created CPFs. They have preserved hundreds of acres of farmland, forests, and open space without raising local property taxes.
What is a conservation easement?
A conservation easement is a voluntary legal agreement between a landowner and a qualified organization (usually a land trust or government agency) that permanently limits certain types of development or land use in order to protect the land’s conservation values. Conservation easements are permanent and run with the land and tailored to each individual property.