Below is a letter addressed to our town supervisor, Ron Smith, of which the Alden RRG was copied, as well as our Mayor, Michael Kubik; Village Clerk, Elizabeth Kegler; our Legislator Kathy Konst; Erie County Environment & Planning, John Opalka; and Mr Earl Gingrich, Jr:
from Robert B Reynolds Jr, Chairman of Erie County Agriculture and Farmland Protection Board
March 13, 2007
Dear Supervisor Smith
At the last meeting of the Erie County Agriculture and Farmland Protection Board that was held on February 23 at 1pm; a motion was made and properly seconded to write a letter to the
community leaders of Alden expressing the board's concern of the proposed re-zoning of farmland on Route 20. There was a very lengthy discussion about the use of working farmland in the County of Erie for future development.
As everyone is aware, the "League of Women Voters" recently released their thoughts on urban sprawl and what it cost taxpayers in our County. They give many reasons to go slow in the future development of our region, including rural communities such as yours. The Erie County Agriculture and Farmland Protection Board is strongly opposed to the re-zoning of active farmlands for future development. It is our mission to protect the great resource that these lands provide to every resident in Erie County as well as New York State. The board is constantly looking into ways to maintain our current farmlands and protect them for future generations.
It is the understanding of the board members that the property that is proposed for development is approximately 90 acres* of which more than half of the land is still in active production. We as an organization are not against development of property; however, we do encourage the proper use of farmland within our County. As the board chairman, it is my responsibility to address the concerns of our board as well as the farming community in general. We, as a board, are requesting that your planning board and town officers take a very serious look at this project and its long-term effect on your community.
If you need any further comments or statements from our Erie County Agriculture and Farmland Protection Board, please feel free to contact us. Again, we are requesting that your planning board explore other areas for development of this proposed project, and not expose active farmland to the re-zoning process.
Best regards,
Robert B Reynolds, Jr.,Chairman of Eric County Agriculture and Farmland Protection Board.
*Russo Developers recently reduced the total acreage for development to approximately 65 acres.
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