What is Act 4? Act 4 allows a municipality in concert with county and the school board to freeze the tax millage on preserved farms. The states Act 4 was passed in 2006. The Easton Area School Board must pass a similar resolution supporting the implementation of Act 4 for Forks Township.
The Forks Board of Supervisors heard a presentation from Maria Bentzoni , Northampton County administrator for Farmland Preservation. She encouraged the BoS to act, “not only because it would provide an incentive to landowners to preserve their farmland but also help sustain the current preserved farms so they can remain productive and continue to support the local community” (see Morning Call article: Forks fills planning board vacancy, February 8, 2008).
Maria also stated that Forks only has 1 farm in the Farmland Preservation program. The preserve farm has only 103 acres. This is a very sad fact!
The Board of Supervisors directed the township solicitor to draw-up an ordinance to implement Act 4. As I have stated many times, we need to take concrete steps to preserve our farmland. This is a good step in the right direction.
If you have any ideas or comments about critical issues facing Forks Township, please share your ideas via our blog.
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Sincerely,
David Billings
d.billings@att.net
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3 comments:
I agree this is a good idea, but don't know if Northampton County has adopted it yet.
Bernie,
Good catch! I am inquiring whether Northampton County is supporting Act 4. When I determine the facts, I will update my blog!
David
You write very well.
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