Senator Bill Weber is Pleased to Announce Legislation that will Authorize the Town of Orangetown to Establish a Community Preservation Fund

New York State Senate Bill S4712, sponsored by Rockland Senator Bill Weber, authorizes the town of Orangetown to establish a community preservation fund. The fund will be authorized to accept gifts of land or funds. Interest accrued by monies deposited into the fund will be credited directly to the fund. It will be prohibited for monies deposited into the preservation fund to be transferred to any other account. New York State Assembly bill A4606, is being carried by Assemblyman John McGowan. Both bills are currently with their respective State committees on local government.

Senator Bill Weber stated, “I am grateful to Supervisor Teresa Kenny for bringing this innovative proposal to my attention. Many thanks to Assemblyman John McGowan for carrying this bill in the New York State Assembly. Protecting community character is something that is very important to me and the people of Orangetown and I’m gratified to be in a position to help.”

Assemblyman John W. McGowan stated: “This legislation is a home run for Orangetown as it will provide the Town the ability to preserve and protect land for a variety of beneficial and worthy uses, such as open spaces, parks, and agriculture. Ensuring that open spaces and natural resources are safeguarded is a top priority. This legislation will help further enhance the beautiful landscape and character of Orangetown for generations to come. I thank my colleagues, Senator Bill Weber and Town Supervisor Teresa Kenny, for their partnership and efforts in support of this legislation.”

Supervisor Teresa M. Kenny stated, “I would like to thank Senator Bill Weber and Assemblyman John McGowan for sponsoring the Orangetown Community Preservation Fund Bill. As many of you recall, this was a key promise of my campaign in 2019. With support in both the Assembly and Senate, Orangetown should soon follow the path of Warwick and New Paltz, where millions of dollars have been raised and numerous pieces of property have been purchased. The land trust would allow Orangetown to protect at-risk properties and would give the town another tool it needs to preserve what makes Orangetown special.”