Lafayette to ask for tax to buy open space

LAFAYETTE-Land preservation is a priority for Lafayette, and a committee of residents, the Open Space Advisory Committee, has been at work since October of last year investigating and planning ways to achieve that goal. The Highlands Preservation Act, which protects tracts of land within several communities surrounding the township, excludes any properties in Lafayette. Kevin O'Leary, secretary of the advisory committee, explained that this is cause for concern because developers will be searching for alternative properties for their projects, and the committee has developed an Open Space and Recreation Plan to combat that possibility. Lafayette will be applying for the Green Acres Planning Incentive Grant Program, which would provide funding for land preservation. As one of the requirements for application for these matching funds, the committee has assembled the 100-page plan. A key issue to note is that grant money is available to match an amount appropriated by the township for land acquisition. To qualify for the grants, the plan proposes to place a referendum on the November ballot asking voters to approve an Open Space Tax. The majority of residents at an informational meeting held in May supported such a tax to provide local funding for land preservation. At a regular town council meeting held July 5, several members of the advisory committee presented the final draft of the plan for approval. The committee recommended a tax of three cents per $100 valuation that would generate an estimated $66,000 per year for land preservation. Mayor John D'Angeli initiated a discussion regarding the amount that had been recommended, and the council voted on a suggestion made by Rick Hughes to present voters with a range of $.01-$.03, rather than a fixed amount. That would allow the council the flexibility to adjust the annual tax rate depanding on other town taxes and the needs of the community. The rate could be adjusted on an annual basis. Dave Muscalo, a member of the advisory committee, said, "The important thing is that we get the public behind us." The committee's recommendations were founded on the premise that if the town does not move to prevent excessive development, the quality of life would be affected. "We have to protect the people of Lafayette," agreed D'Angeli. O'Leary emphasized the importance of purchasing the property before it is "grabbed up by the developers." Parcels that previously have been purchased include the blue heron rookery and Paulinskill Path for bicycling, hiking, and horseback riding. Warbasse Junction property, a prime piece of land purchased some two years ago, has been earmarked for recreational fields, beginning with one each for soccer and baseball. The Open Space and Recreation Plan will be submitted to the Land Use Board for approval and inclusion in the Master Plan and is scheduled to be presented at a public meeting in September or October.