How it Works

Clean water, farmland, open spaces, recreational areas, wildlife habitat and historic places are essential to the foundation of the Town of Rochester community. Protecting these features improves quality of life, strengthens the Town of Rochester’s economy, and helps maintain property values.

These resources strengthen the town’s economy and make the Town of Rochester a desirable place to live.

Protection of land and natural and historic resources occurs only with willing landowners. No property owner has any obligation to participate.

The law strictly limits how Community Preservation Funds can be used. Eligible uses include the acquisition development rights or property for the purpose of:

Viable agricultural land

Unique ecosystems and rare or endangered habitats

Protection of wetlands and aquifer recharge areas

Rivers, streams, shorelines, and waterway protection

Historic places and properties

Lands of exceptional scenic value

Parks, nature preserves, wildlife refuges, greenbelts, and recreation areas

All revenues would be deposited directly into the Community Preservation Fund and can only be used for purposes laid out in the adopted Community Preservation Plan.