The Town of Rochester Town Board re-opened a public hearing on Local Law G of 2024: Establishing a Community Preservation Fund and creating a Community Preservation Fund Advisory Board on September 5, 2024, at 6:30pm at the Harold Lipton Community Center, 15 Tobacco Road, Accord NY 12404.
PRESENT:
Councilwoman Renee Ciardi Councilman Michael Coleman
Councilwoman Emily Dindial Councilwoman Charlotte Smiseth
Town Supervisor Erin Enouen Town Clerk Kathleen Gundberg
Supervisor Enouen opened the public hearing and led in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
John Messerschmidt: I am in favor of the plan because it will provide more money to the Town to preserve open space and farms. Marbletown was able to purchase the Osterhoudt flats and is a valuable resource for open space. If not passed, we are at the mercy of developers. We want wealthy people to come here and spend money and it is good for them to pay for it. I would like to see a study 1 year from now to see how much we have lost by not passing it this year.
Jean Lerner: At the last meetings it seemed over 30 people were in support of the plan and had the expectations that it will be passed, other than these 2 tiny changes to the plan I don’t see what the hold up was. Passage of this plan can bring matching funds, free money to Town and we turned it down. We are missing out and this will not take away from affordable housing, there shouldn’t be any conflict in the two goals.
Peter Nelson: I urge the Board to pass Local Law G-2024. I see changes made to one part of it. There was a tremendous amount of work that went into this plan, and it is a missed opportunity, It is an amazing document and the Town spent a lot of money to put it together and this plan is a crucial tool. It is crucial that the Town Board read this if you haven’t already done so. This is not just open space but there is compatible affordable housing opportunity. I struggle to understand why anyone would oppose this, and it would be interesting to see a study next year to see how much money was left on the table. There is matching source of funds, work directly on adopting the plan. It was a lost opportunity this election with a presidential election, this board took away the opportunity for the Town to vote this November.
Jean Lerner: Before the board spends more money on this look into grants that will help pay for it.
Larry Dewitt: I agree with the last 3 speakers.

CLOSURE OF THE PUBLIC HEARING:
Resolution # 254-2024:
Motion: Councilwoman Smiseth
Second: Councilman Coleman
The Town of Rochester Town Board closed the public hearing and adjourned at 6:46pm.

RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED,

KATHLEEN A. GUNDBERG
TOWN CLERK