[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6645466,"mediaKeyId","3681888-781d8d26051bb008787a340f01c78141","parentId",3681888,"title","Orange County Land Trust urges Sullivan County to consider Hudson Valley Community Preservation Act for farmland protection","audioSeconds",779,"startMs",233000,"endMs",1012000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3681888-781d8d26051bb008787a340f01c78141&start=233&end=1012","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3681888-781d8d26051bb008787a340f01c78141/thumbnail_233000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6645466/Sullivan-County/New-York/Orange-County-Land-Trust-urges-Sullivan-County-to-consider-Hudson-Valley-Community-Preservation-Act-for-farmland-protection","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6645466-a70e4380a6cc83520cc1a44699c629f1/orig.mp4?Expires=1771203403&Signature=i~L8~7cP8LEpNDC0PsQwhvfoiTaHl6J43qa7ebW7kWE2GiV93MZduOBcYtTtqK1pYxGxE1oLugKFEZ4Po-iD42-i5RaPPzJzUMQ7j3v3pR-6TyUzoGmOpKRh3fHjpI384MTsKvfsEg3KlFwqCIS6ADNSbh1hLpAu16zhAkI~TrvGXzWadxKUX5zqnvPQyCdibdv80rrMjy1~qI2rn1LJxlKYV2YWV-mdMVHQvHEkK84tX-v2JhhIJibnbFAgiGc~Fj0Eqk5sMdtdnwEyBAa6Ry2aVgXGbXWSXfN-rTsDluNCReocd0fH87lLo-eSeJn444JHxRxO26QTcYa4qenW7w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Sullivan County","date","2025-06-05T12:28:00Z","article","Mike Sweet of the Orange County Land Trust told the Sullivan County Legislature’s planning committee that a recent state operating-budget allocation and a county-level option under the Hudson Valley Community Preservation Act could help preserve farmland in Sullivan County.

Sweet said the 2025 state operating budget included $75,000 to contract with the Orange County Land Trust to work on farmland preservation. He told the committee that state and federal programs will pay major shares of easement costs but typically require a local match, and that the Hudson Valley Community Preservation Act (HVCPA) offers one path for communities to generate matching funds through a voter-authorized real estate transfer tax.

The presentation outlined how farmland conservation easements work and how communities have funded local match. Sweet described easements as deeded restrictions that “run with the land,” preserving the property’s agricultural use while generally prohibiting residential subdivision. He said easements allow ongoing farm uses such as accessory buildings, agritourism, logging notifications and pond dredging with prior notice to the easement holder. He emphasized that the landowner retains title and may sell the property; the easement reduces development potential in exchange for a payment based on the difference between the land’s appraised “highest and best use” and its agricultural value.

Sweet reviewed local funding options for the required match: general municipal taxation, bonding, land-trust contributions and a locally approved real estate transfer tax under the HVCPA. He described the HVCPA as enabling a county or locality to add a real-estate transfer tax (up to 2 percent, with communities sometimes choosing lower rates) that is approved by local voters and allocated to a community preservation plan covering farmland, critical environmental resources and public access. He said that in his experience the tax is paid by buyers at closing, that local governments can apply exemptions, and that the tax revenues are collected at the county level and distributed monthly to the preservation fund.

Sweet cited Warwick, where a multi-year push for local authorization led to a community preservation fund that he said has preserved thousands of acres and generated local funds for easement matches. He said Warwick’s fund produced $18 million in revenue and that the program preserved properties he characterized as a substantially larger aggregate value; he did not attach documentary evidence for the larger valuation during his remarks. Sweet noted the HVCPA requires a county-level home-rule request and state legislative approval; after that, individual towns would still need to adopt local preservation plans and put a transfer-tax referendum to voters.

Committee members asked technical questions. A committee member asked whether a conservation easement places an encumbrance on property; Sweet replied that easements are deeded, monitored annually by the easement holder (a town or land trust) and typically restrict residential subdivision while allowing farming operations and related accessory uses. He said some easements limit large-scale commercial solar to operations that power the farm and that other activities (logging, dredging) are often permitted with notification to the holder. Sweet recommended municipalities ensure their zoning is “farm friendly” to make easements useful.

Sweet outlined next steps: the county legislature would need to pass a home-rule request authorizing state consideration of HVCPA inclusion; state legislators would sponsor the bill and, if approved in Albany, towns in Sullivan County could develop community preservation plans and put transfer-tax measures to local referenda. He said the Orange County Land Trust would return for more detailed briefings, including an August 6 presentation and an evening workshop for supervisors and town officials.

Sweet provided handouts listing jurisdictions that have adopted preservation funds and offered to connect Sullivan County staff with those municipal officials. He urged the committee to begin the home-rule conversation so towns could hold public sessions and, if they choose, bring a referendum to voters.

The presentation concluded with expressions of support from committee members and an acknowledgement that the process requires sustained local political work and a statewide legislative sponsor.

Sources: Presentation by Mike Sweet, Orange County Land Trust; committee Q&A.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Sullivan County - Planning and Community Resources Committee on 2025-06-05 11:00 AM - Jun 05, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Mike Sweet of the Orange County Land Trust told the Sullivan County Legislature’s planning committee that a recent state operating-budget allocation and a county-level option under the Hudson Valley Community Preservation Act could help preserve farmland in Sullivan County.","taxTitle","Sullivan County, New York","taxId",14534,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6645452,"Sullivan County planning committee approves several routine resolutions, authorizes broadband attachment agreement; one item left unresolved",21,2715000,2736000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3681888-781d8d26051bb008787a340f01c78141&start=2715&end=2736","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3681888-781d8d26051bb008787a340f01c78141/thumbnail_2715000.jpg","/articles/6645452/Sullivan-County/New-York/Sullivan-County-planning-committee-approves-several-routine-resolutions-authorizes-broadband-attachment-agreement-one-item-left-unresolved","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6645452-dd7d653de7f0edf6635dd867c31bb70b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771203403&Signature=MzCR3gxqFcnm3ux066vKzQQDaIw8Jt68~Bg~KvACgXsnp3t8v5719U0jC~N9WgMsEVhKNEeSMf59NBJfpaaJWjQMvNS2hOAgHB1qE~0A13eyY8DUv13ScX84GvtcSQyrDmve4dS9nMFmSiTEnZaCIyJdbXjIupMgOxMq89ASN1lrkUmo0OyiTqR42CuWM4-Urxs9I3wQYjA~ufgqHjC3bD74QZHPaaKumBOtwZoggvXC~1HSgRKbOm0zLpDcpj6cNOQ4OOMjUReQEHF6tbX-qUJCc-C5-e6xgdWnEyg6y25y-YKphwnFtTN085d4K9NnuMA416f14hnTUkH1CAQT9Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Sullivan County planning committee voted on multiple resolutions at the end of its meeting. The transcript records the following actions and immediate outcomes.

- Block motion for Resolutions 1–3: A motion was made to move Resolutions 1 through 3 in a block; the motion was seconded and the chair called the vote: “All in favor. Aye.” The transcript records the motion moving forward.

- Resolution 4 — Pull attachment agreement with NYSEG: A motion and second were recorded. One member recused themself from the vote; the chair called the vote and those present answered “Aye.” The committee approved the resolution to authorize a pull‑attachment agreement with New York State Electric & Gas to allow necessary above‑ground attachments for the county’s broadband work.

- Resolution 5 — Rescind resolution 213‑25 and approve funding to assist with removal of unsafe structures: The transcript shows a motion was proposed but debate followed and at least one legislator stated “I’m a no.” Committee members then discussed uncertainty about whether a second existed and the chair moved the meeting on without a clear recorded outcome for the item in the provided transcript. The transcript does not record a final tally or formal approval for this resolution in the committee meeting minutes presented.

- Resolution 6 — Authorize creation of a county‑funded [position/program unspecified]: The motion to authorize the creation of a county‑funded item (text in the packet truncated in the transcript) was seconded and the chair called the vote; the committee responded “Aye.” The transcript indicates the measure passed at committee.

The transcript does not include roll-call tallies with member names for each vote; recorded outcomes above are based on the committee’s vocal “Aye” calls, a stated recusal for the NYSEG pull‑attachment agreement and the absence of a final recorded outcome for Resolution 5 in the provided excerpt.

Sources: Committee proceedings and recorded motions at the end of the meeting.","At the close of the planning meeting the committee moved several resolutions in block, approved a pull‑attachment agreement with New York State Electric & Gas for broadband permits and approved the creation of a county‑funded position; one resolution about removal of unsafe structures drew dissent and was not completed in discussion.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6645457,"Planning staff launch bike‑ped survey; broadband, parks and Fort Delaware projects update",387,1998000,2385000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3681888-781d8d26051bb008787a340f01c78141&start=1998&end=2385","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3681888-781d8d26051bb008787a340f01c78141/thumbnail_1998000.jpg","/articles/6645457/Sullivan-County/New-York/Planning-staff-launch-bikeped-survey-broadband-parks-and-Fort-Delaware-projects-update","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6645457-77a743dfc10f44f9d8197c0614327a9f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771203403&Signature=ATs6fCPiB9MMBJ3pXsLB-c7rISvLD4zkIx7aCHy3jXo58sNiu5nMvleaUySfOMaej6KXX38ir-pTWISJnpI2oo2fcAu~TfUIGfrCqBaa7xP0hWf01gVWnVQO7iGmDr8vYRP06YkBOnlkhlGu2jtS6Jxu6ppiPEffnJTnV50Kzs7fcVFW2h2Rvh5e836tCisFRVzeE~fWmIMmV4PNmgi8V7EUWAP4k3cQKE6KsSkU0y7D-y~tnW1iTU9J2-1aMJPVUznjznUEX5MCPgpa63iYXRwoxfruY9egYI4x8fiaA8fyVmQENaIh4HblY8a4IV~KUkD2O~ADcCrnBqm8sCbuzA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Sullivan County planning staff told the planning committee the county launched a bike‑and‑pedestrian master-plan website and survey and is continuing work on broadband, parks and grant outreach.

Staff said the bike‑and‑pedestrian plan landing page is live on the county planning website and includes plan goals, advisory-committee information and a public survey. The presenter asked legislators and staff to distribute a flyer and QR code; the survey had about 200 responses at the time of the meeting and staff said paper copies would be produced for seniors through the Office for the Aging.

On broadband, staff said the county’s broadband initiative is making progress and thanked County Manager Lauren Green, ITS and other partners for their work. Staff noted they will provide additional information on historical solar-array generation next month.

Parks and recreation updates included a June 20 opening for daily operations at Lake Superior and the county’s recent acceptance of credit-card payments at the park. A cultural-resources survey for Calacun Park has been completed and staff expect to release bid documents in the summer for construction work.

Staff briefed the committee on grants: the Consolidated Funding Application (CFA) season was open with an in-person workshop scheduled; staff encouraged community organizations to attend and said online grants orientation resources are available. Staff also reported they received 37 proposals from 34 entities in response to a county-funded youth programming RFP (see Office for the Aging article for details).

Committee members raised two infrastructure topics. A member asked about Fort Delaware fireplaces and roofing; staff said initially gathered quotes did not reflect prevailing-wage requirements and that code and permitting questions caused delays. Staff said Public Works is reviewing options including partnerships with BOCES and others to reduce costs and that project requests had been placed in the county capital plan. Another member noted the county did not secure requested state funding for the second half of an aquifer study; staff said they were pursuing alternative funding sources and that Sullivan County’s aquifer systems have not been fully studied since the 1960s and were last substantially updated in the 1980s.

Staff encouraged committee members and community groups to promote the bike‑and‑ped plan survey and to attend the rail-trail multi-day hike on June 7–8. They also urged local groups to register for the CFA workshop and to utilize the grants-administration resources posted online.

Sources: Planning staff presentation and committee Q&A.","County planning staff announced a bike‑and‑pedestrian master-plan website and survey, reported progress on a broadband build and parks projects, and said an aquifer study funding request was not approved in the state budget.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6645461,"Sullivan County Office for the Aging: some federal cuts remain but local programs, RFPs and cooling assistance continue",501,1443000,1944000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3681888-781d8d26051bb008787a340f01c78141&start=1443&end=1944","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3681888-781d8d26051bb008787a340f01c78141/thumbnail_1443000.jpg","/articles/6645461/Sullivan-County/New-York/Sullivan-County-Office-for-the-Aging-some-federal-cuts-remain-but-local-programs-RFPs-and-cooling-assistance-continue","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6645461-1da0848d318948d57796517f95ceaca3/orig.mp4?Expires=1771203403&Signature=RaGsx8EtLFHea7RLLp-7q~t59uy0lkmfT9K3G3pizY75mjWTQFEn3f07cWdiRJDQYzevfkw0q7Xu4tBxg6Cl2aFCdz2S~lyrkXlIAMSGobo7Tdf1t54lkOG5C34jIRi~-LHcFuk1uh4E9GVJWAHH4aPGDZtMPWe6xWZBqipiKmrHn673k7IJzXLVbln8Rgutyibkt7naZuFNLiLZeJ8OkWnG9BCA9RK50MWxtFMm0zlanYJeVpYsy6GXWjReMKCS7eOG7TmqEWxSq8q9A5qtGr2hqI-43c75K~tNopjfgr94JVjyjTWU4uXOXpqNFRoWLphuCk1WUZ2sjVqV6BQ-UQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A representative of the Sullivan County Office for the Aging told the planning committee that federal budget negotiations ultimately left many aging and disability programs intact, but that specific grants have been reduced and some programs were eliminated from the proposed budget.

The presenter said advocacy helped restore most programs in the White House’s final budget but that some grants were cut or reduced. The Alzheimer’s grants received a 50% cut in the budget materials discussed at the meeting and the presenter said the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) had been removed from the initial proposal. She said the administration reorganized the federal office that houses aging programs: rather than splitting services, the programs were kept together under the Administration for Children, Families, and Communities (the presenter noted this follows the prior Administration for Community Living structure).

Locally, the Office for the Aging’s four-year plan was approved and the agency received a notice of grant award on May 14. The RSVP volunteer program’s federal funding was eliminated; the presenter said the county has submitted a final report and had a resolution under consideration to rename the program and move forward locally. The presenter identified Cornell Cooperative Extension as a contract partner for senior fitness and chronic-disease self-management programs and reported 72 class participants had completed recent fitness sessions across five nutrition sites.

The cooling benefit opened April 15 and remains active while funding is available; seniors can apply through the Office for the Aging. The presenter said transportation planning is moving forward: two proposals were received to update the county’s coordinated transportation plan and there was a resolution on the agenda to contract with Kittleson & Associates for consulting services.

Committee members asked about bus shelters; the presenter said constructing shelters requires engineering, concrete foundations and permits, and that prevailing-wage requirements and other code issues can substantially increase costs. She said one Liberty shelter project she referenced had required a large capital outlay.

The presenter also noted that the Child Care Council took over a children’s center formerly run by Head Start at the Family Court site; the center has a new director, revamped programming, and will host an open house on June 13 from 12:30 to 2 p.m. The county issued a request for proposals for youth programming with $150,000 in county funding; staff received 37 applications from 34 entities and a resolution to award contracts was expected.

The presenter closed by noting continued demand for food services in the county and that federal test-kit supplies provided during COVID were exhausted.

Sources: Sullivan County Office for the Aging presentation and staff remarks to the planning committee.","County aging-services staff told the planning committee that federal budget changes restored many programs after advocacy, but some grants face cuts; locally, a four-year plan was approved, RSVP funding was lost and the county is moving forward with transportation consulting and other service updates.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Orange County Land Trust urges Sullivan County to consider Hudson Valley Community Preservation Act for farmland protection

Sullivan County planning committee approves several routine resolutions, authorizes broadband attachment agreement; one item left unresolved

Planning staff launch bike‑ped survey; broadband, parks and Fort Delaware projects update

Sullivan County Office for the Aging: some federal cuts remain but local programs, RFPs and cooling assistance continue