Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Open Space topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commissioners emphasize open space, green belts and potential use of remaining bond funds
Summary
Commissioners pressed for a green‑belt concept around towns, prioritized open space acquisition, and discussed using remaining general‑obligation bond funds (participants referenced an $18,000,000 balance) to purchase critical open lands.
Multiple commissioners argued that preserving contiguous open land and agricultural viability should be a top priority of the plan. One commissioner proposed a green‑belt or buffer around towns so the landscape between communities remains open and distinct, rather than becoming a continuous suburban strip.
Commissioners and staff also discussed using existing bond resources to acquire key parcels on the East Side. A staff member and commissioners referenced the current open‑space balance and urged that staff and the land‑conservancy partners prioritize parcels for potential purchase; one participant said the land‑conservancy leverage on prior bond spending produced high returns on investment.
