Agriculture and Farmland Protection Plan - Town of Liberty
Agriculture and Farmland Protection Plan - Town of Liberty
Agriculture and Farmland Protection Plan - Town of Liberty
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Draft <strong>Town</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Liberty</strong> <strong>Agriculture</strong> <strong>and</strong> Farml<strong>and</strong> <strong>Protection</strong> <strong>Plan</strong><br />
attracted to <strong>Liberty</strong>.<br />
e. The plan supports “smart growth” principles through recognizing<br />
the desire to direct development to existing “hubs” <strong>of</strong> village <strong>and</strong><br />
hamlets.<br />
f. It encourages the preservation <strong>of</strong> farml<strong>and</strong>, especially within<br />
agricultural districts.<br />
g. It promotes use <strong>of</strong> TDR, PDR, forest management, easements,<br />
deed restrictions, etc.<br />
h. It promotes establishing a set percentage <strong>of</strong> open space in<br />
subdivisions, evaluating cumulative impacts <strong>of</strong> development,<br />
improving zoning flexibility related to density <strong>and</strong> zone<br />
placement, <strong>and</strong> integration <strong>of</strong> “innovative design, l<strong>and</strong> use<br />
techniques <strong>and</strong> development st<strong>and</strong>ards” - all <strong>of</strong> which could<br />
serve to benefit agricultural l<strong>and</strong> uses.<br />
2. The objective <strong>of</strong> providing for the expansion <strong>of</strong> water <strong>and</strong> sewer to<br />
meet current <strong>and</strong> future needs may not be consistent with<br />
agriculture as these public infrastructures usually promote growth<br />
<strong>and</strong> are not generally conducive to long-term ag use. The longterm<br />
planning for infrastructure should include agriculture <strong>and</strong> be<br />
planned to avoid important ag areas so as not to promote high<br />
density growth.<br />
3. The background information included in the plan does not appear to<br />
include details, statistics or maps on the agricultural character <strong>of</strong><br />
the <strong>Town</strong>. This agricultural protection plan could therefore, be very<br />
helpful as a comprehensive plan addendum as this data is included<br />
herein.<br />
4. The proposed zoning map included in the plan exp<strong>and</strong>s the<br />
Agricultural Conservation district to include all <strong>of</strong> the l<strong>and</strong>s included<br />
in the NYS Agricultural District <strong>and</strong> much <strong>of</strong> the remaining<br />
undeveloped woodl<strong>and</strong>s. This proposed change is more protective<br />
<strong>of</strong> agriculture than existing zoning (see below).<br />
5. The <strong>Plan</strong> includes a Proposed Use Table for permitted <strong>and</strong> special<br />
uses in all the districts. It recommends updates to the District<br />
Intent Statements <strong>and</strong> <strong>of</strong>fers new development st<strong>and</strong>ards to meet<br />
those objectives. The proposed AC (Ag Conservation) district is<br />
clearly intended to encourage preservation <strong>of</strong> ag l<strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> open<br />
spaces <strong>and</strong> minimize residential development. The RD district<br />
intent is also updated <strong>and</strong> defined to provide a transition area<br />
between the AC <strong>and</strong> R-1 areas. The proposed use table is<br />
improved <strong>and</strong> includes most ag activities as permitted uses<br />
although some agri-businesses are allowed with special permits.<br />
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