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Wednesday, August 20, 2003
Atlantic County Farms Eligible for Protection from Development
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Seventeen Atlantic County farms totaling nearly 3,000 acres are eligible for protection from development through the state's Farmland Preservation Program, announced County Executive Dennis Levinson. Letters were recently sent to landowners to explain the program and solicit interest.
"By participating in this program, property owners can help preserve valuable farmland for future generations," he stated. "Farming is an important part of our local heritage. It helps sustain our economy and our quality of life. This program is designed to protect our farmlands from encroaching development."
The Farmland Preservation Program is administered by the State Agricultural Development Committee (SADC) which coordinates with the County Agricultural Development Board. Land is eligible for participation in the program if it qualifies for farmland tax assessment and is part of an agricultural development area where farming is viable over the long term. The value of a farm or a development easement is established through two independent appraisals. Once a value has been determined and agreed upon, and an application has been approved, the sale can proceed.
Funding for the purchase of development rights to approved Atlantic County farms will be provided by the SADC, the County Agricultural Development Board and the Atlantic County Open Space Trust Fund. According to Levinson, farmland preservation is an important component of the county's open space initiative and a valuable use of funds.
Freeholder Chairman and State Assemblyman Kirk Conover, a longtime member of the County Agricultural Development Board, said he looks forward to advancing farmland retention not only in Atlantic County, but throughout the state.
To date as many as half of the landowners contacted have expressed interest in the program. Landowners who sell their development easements will retain ownership and the right to sell their land at any time. Deed restrictions prohibiting non-agricultural development, however, will remain in force for any future owners.
For more information, please contact Howard J. Kyle, Chief of Staff, at (609) 343-2368. |
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