Grafton Town Board Action – Board Votes Not To Support Forest Legacy Designation

by Erin Hogan
There has been much controversy over the application to the US Forest Service by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) for the designation of the Rensselaer Plateau as a Forest Legacy area. The DEC is trying to designate “nearly 200,000 acres” of land in the Rensselaer Plateau as a Forest Legacy area. Ninety-nine percent of the Town of Grafton falls within the Rensselaer Plateau and nearly 20% of the Town of Grafton is currently owned by New York State. Therefore, according to some, these forests are already protected. The Board not only believes that Graftonites are doing a great job preserving their own land, they are also worried about taxes and what happens once the land is a Designated Forest area. Once sold, the conservation easement or outright purchase of property would restrict future development forever, the Board believes. Although speakers at the recent informational meetings on the Legacy program stated otherwise, the Town Board is concerned about the additional tax burden that might be put on its residents by possibly taking additional property off the tax rolls or the affect it may have of lowering tax assessments for land that is stripped of its developmental rights. A third big concern that the Board has is that by designating the land, Grafton will lose Home Rule authority. As stated in Resolution 44 that opposes the application of the land as Forest Legacy area, “The town of Grafton is already limited in its ability to generate commercial and economic growth and primarily relies on smart residential development for property tax stability. Any further restrictions on our ability to be involved in the planning process, especially from outside agencies would have a severe impact on home rule authority and ability to ease the already high tax burden of our residents.” These concerns, laid out in a three page resolution composed by Councilman Edward Fredricks, concluded that the “Town Board of the Town of Grafton opposes the application by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation for designation of Rensselaer Plateau as a Forest Legacy Area.” It was a unanimous vote by the Board; Councilwoman Margaret Claus was absent.
After the vote, Councilwoman Barbara Messenger commended the DEC for proposing a Forest Legacy area, but she, too, worried about the tax burden. She believes that individual property owners should decide what happens to their land. Assessor Craig Surprise added that there are other ways to protect the land than just through this program. Highway superintendent Herb Hasbrouck said, “It’s the people who are going to have to make a difference.” Town Supervisor Allison Kirchner also took this time to commend the Planning Board for being very careful and protecting the wetland in Grafton. Messenger also commended the Planning Board for protecting the forest. Messenger said, “Just like the Town motto, ‘Beauty is all about us,’ it’s up to us to preserve what we have.”
Alan Webster Jr. For Berlin School Board
During the public comment segment of the Grafton Town Board meeting, Alan Webster Jr. took the time to introduce himself to the Board and townsfolk attending this month’s meeting. He made the Board aware that he knows the issues in the School District and his goal is to create a unified District. He believes that with the financial issues the current path isn’t the one we should be going down. He said he’s looking for support and is open to any and all questions. The Board immediately took him up on his offer and asked what his stance was on closing the Grafton Elementary School. Webster said that from a fiscal point of view, it makes no sense and that in reality closing the school would appear to increase expenditures, according to what he has found in the auditors report. Another objective for Webster is to find a permanent Superintendent for the Berlin School District.
Supervisor Kirchner commended him on his good vision and thanked him for introducing himself. Webster thanked the Board for their time and once again made clear that he is open for questions or comments and that brochures are available for those who would like them.
Reports
In the highway report Herb Hasbrouck reported that two trucks are being used to haul gravel and since the snow is gone, it’s pretty quiet. Building Inspector Tom Withcuskey reported that there are three new building permits this month and 48 still active. He made very clear that there is a no burn law in effect until May 15. The Department of Environmental Conservation has been, and still will be, giving out tickets for those in violation of the NYS law. Also he reported that now that the weather is getting nice he will be going after junk vehicles. He will be coming around to make sure that there is only one unregistered vehicle on any property.
Grafton Summer Youth Program
From July 12 to August 13 the Grafton Summer Youth Program will be held at the Grafton Elementary School on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays. On Thursdays it will be at the Grafton Library. This program is open to Grafton residents ages 5-10 (unless enrollment is low in which case 11 year olds can join the fun). Enrollment is limited so be sure to quickly send information/permission forms to Kathy Mason/Wagar at the Grafton Town Hall, P.O. Box G, Grafton, NY, 12082. Once the forms are received, a calendar of events, a free lunch application (if needed) and the summer schedule will be sent back.
Appointments
Kirchner appointed Patricia Neibuhr as the Town Historian effective April 1, 2010 until December 31, 2010. Noelle Goyer was appointed Youth Director for the Town of Grafton effective May 1, 2010 until December 31, 2010.
This month’s meeting was adjourned in memory of Bernice Bly and Raymond “Let” Bonesteel.