ROOM AT THE TABLE - Intersight - University at Buffalo

cluster, like cheese making classes for those considering entering the
)'31E("+(011,#-(0(!30$$(!"&B"#'#/(/"(0#(0-+,!%3/%+03(/"%+,$&(B+"-+0&6(e"+(
example, visitors to the area may be curious about making cheese, in either
witnessing the creation of cheese, or instituting a more hands­on component.
D4,$(B+"!'$$(H"%31(&0I'(/4'(+'-,"#(B+"&,#'#/(,#(2',#-(,1'#/,)'1(0$(/4'(
best at making certain cheeses from local dairy products. Another option
."+(/4'(!3%$/'+(!"%31(2'(H,#'E(2'!0%$'(-+0B'$(40*'(2''#(0(&"$/(B+")/023'(
fruit in Erie County. The farming of grapes and wineries could pair with
technology tracks from local schools, and winery tourism could expand for
a more synergistic effect.
11. Implement a Purchase of Development Rights or Transfer of
Development Rights Program (Medium Priority)
Currently, there is no county­wide program to help retain the
county’s rural character. In spite of the home rule state dynamic within
New York, the County must take the lead in creating and administering a
countywide program. In measuring the current amount of land protected by
local municipal programs, the County should seek to (1) ensure there is no
net loss of farmland and (2) increase the amount of protected land by 15%
over the next three years.
To ensure that designated rural agricultural areas of Erie County
preserve their rural character, the County should explore protection of
farmland through a Purchase of Development Rights or a Transfer of
Development Rights program. A Transfer of Development Rights program,
which would allow landowners in targeted low­density areas to sell their
development rights to be used by developers in higher density locations,
would be a lower cost option, as there is no outright payment. While
implementation of a TDR program would not be without challenges, the
County needs to facilitate a market for this tool to be used as a possible
avenue for agricultural preservation.
117