Red Hook board approves home-rule request to extend Community Preservation Fund to 2051

At Tuesday's meeting the Red Hook Town Board approved a home-rule resolution asking the state legislature to extend the town's authority to collect the Community Preservation Fund (CPF) through 2051.

Supervisor Robert introduced the resolution, explaining the CPF was established by local referendum and is funded by a 2% real estate transfer tax to implement town preservation priorities. The draft resolution cites chapter 57 of the town code and references state bills introduced in the Legislature to effect the extension. The board's review reaffirmed the CPF's role in protecting working landscapes, historic properties and recreational lands.

During discussion the board reiterated that any proposed CPF project remains subject to standard conditions, including final approval of funding sources, submission of appraisals and review of easement terms. The resolution as drafted lists estimated project and town-share figures in the Camp Rising Sun application and conditions approval on confirmation of state grant commitments and appraisals.

The board then moved the home-rule request and voted in favor; Supervisor Robert called for a certified resolution and the town clerk was directed to forward the certified home-rule request to Albany.

What was said: "This will enable us to have funds at the ready should we need them, for recreational lands, historic properties, working landscapes," Supervisor Robert said when introducing the resolution.

Next steps: Town clerk will submit the certified resolution and home-rule form to state legislators sponsoring the bills; individual CPF projects will proceed through the town's advisory and approval processes and remain contingent on final appraisal and grant confirmations.