WALTON _ About 50 people gathered at Walton Central School on Monday for the first of four community meetings to discuss and analyze potential impacts of New York City's $300 million land-acquisition program.
County officials are seeking further input from local residents and businesses at the next three meetings, each scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on the following days and locations:
ä Tonight, Delaware Academy High School cafeteria
ä Wednesday, Stamford Central School
ä Thursday, Margaretville Central School
The meetings are part of a $250,000 economic impact analysis commissioned by Delaware County to prepare for the State Environmental Quality Review of the city's land-acquisition program. The purchases could leave the city in control of up to 50 percent of the land in the watershed.
At Monday's meeting, maps were displayed showing the amount of land currently owned by New York City and what the ownership picture may look like after further land acquisition. Those in attendance were allowed to ask questions and voice concerns.
Greg Brown, president of Downeast Group Development Consulting, said his company has been conducting an historical overview of what has been going on in Delaware County during the last five years; the firm is planning to expand the survey to look at a longer time frame.
The county will use the report to address issues during the permitting process, which the city must undergo to continue acquiring land after 2012.
Preliminary findings of Downeast Group's analysis indicate that there is a potential for a 300 percent property tax increase and job losses as a result of the land-acquisition program.
"To be honest, the positions and views of the land-acquisition program are extremely polarized," Brown said. "Some people think it is the best thing that ever happened, and others think it is the worst possible thing."
At least two residents who spoke Monday opposed the city's program.
Johanna Richardson, of Walton, said she didn't see how the land buys were "going to be any benefit to Delaware County."
And Mary Stevens, of Walton, said, "I don't think there is anyone in this room that wants a 300 percent tax increase. Count me in. I don't want anymore land acquisition."
Glenn Nealis, county economic development director, said the county's goal is to use the study as a tool to negotiate with the city to mitigate negative impacts of land acquisition.
"This report will arm the county with some information that allows them to go into the permitting process with proof of the economic impacts," Brown said. "People and communities are part of the environment and should be considered, too."
For more information, call the county's Department of Economic Development at 746-8595 or visit www.downeastgroup.ca/blog to review project updates or post a comment.
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Patricia Breakey can be reached at 746-2894 or at stardelhi@stny.rr.com.
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