Goshen board discusses creation of community preservation fund backed by senator

Summary

Supervisor introduced a proposal—backed by Senator Scoopis—to create a community preservation fund funded by a small transfer tax on property sales (modeled on Chester/Warwick). The board discussed whether the fee would be paid by buyer or seller, referendum requirements, exemptions, and next steps to develop an adoption plan.

Supervisor introduced the idea of a community preservation fund on Feb. 12, saying he had discussed the concept with Senator Scoopis, who signaled willingness to back enabling legislation. The model described resembles Chester and Warwick programs and would place a small transfer tax (example discussed: roughly 0.75% of the sale price) into a dedicated preservation fund.

Board members queried whether the fee should be assessed on buyers or sellers, noted examples where buyers often absorb the cost, and discussed voter approval mechanisms and exemptions for the first portion of a sale price. One board member said a referendum could be required to raise a transfer tax, which would make the proposal more palatable to some members.

Speakers including resident Mark Buckeye praised the idea as a lever to preserve open space and noted successful projects funded in other towns. Board members agreed to begin development of a formal plan and to refine statutory language and referendum options in follow‑up work.