I was asked whether Northampton County was supporting the implementation of Act 4. I did some research about Northampton County position on this matter.
Just a quick summary of the discussion of Act 4 at the Forks Board of Supervisor meeting held on February 7, 2008. According to the Forks Action Commitee (FAC) BoS meeting summary; Maria Bentzoni said that they are requesting that the Forks Board of Supervisors support Act 4 and HB 87. Act 4 allows for a millage freeze for preserved property at the rate in effect at the time that the last entity signs on. Three entities must sign - the county, the township and the school district. So far the Northampton County is "on board." She is currently working with both the EASD and the (Nazareth) NASD.
Additionally, Act 4 was discussed at the October 18, 2007 County Council meeting. The meeting minutes indicate that both Lehigh and Northampton County passed Act 4.
If you have any ideas or comments about critical issues facing Forks Township, please share your ideas via our blog.
Get Involved – Every Voice Counts!
Sincerely,
David Billings
Showing posts with label Farmland. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Farmland. Show all posts
Friday, February 15, 2008
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Forks Township considering implementing Act 4
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.
Get Involved – Every Voice Counts!
Sincerely,
David Billings
d.billings@att.net
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.
Get Involved – Every Voice Counts!
Sincerely,
David Billings
d.billings@att.net
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