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Pittstown board withdraws motion to support Otter Creek Community Forest after tax‑base concerns
Summary
Supervisor Matthew Curley introduced a motion to send a letter of support for the Otter Creek Community Forest’s grant application, but withdrew it after Councilperson Jason Eddy and others raised concerns about the town losing taxable parcels when land is enrolled in tax‑exempt programs.
The Pittstown Town Board considered, then withdrew, a motion to send a letter of support for the Otter Creek Community Forest during its Jan. 12 meeting.
Supervisor Matthew Curley introduced the board to a request from the new Otter Creek Community Forest for a letter of support tied to a grant to pay for a small parking area and access improvements intended for hiking and cross‑country skiing. Councilperson Jason Eddy questioned the broader consequences of enrolling farmland and vacant properties in tax‑exempt programs, saying the town is “losing tax base” and that the issue needs attention.
Councilperson Tanya Lipinski noted the property would provide passive recreation benefits for residents. After further discussion about the trade‑offs between recreational access and taxable parcels, Curley withdrew his motion to send the letter of support.
During public access later in the meeting, resident John Hoag told the board he was concerned about “people coming from the city, purchasing land, and looking to change the rules we have in place,” and linked that trend to reductions in taxable land. Supervisor Curley responded that he does not think buyers are changing town rules but acknowledged that enrolling land in tax‑exempt programs reduces the town’s tax base.
No formal vote was taken on the letter of support; the minutes list the motion as withdrawn. The board did not direct staff to draft alternative language or task a committee with follow up at this meeting.
