Republican and Democratic town committees back Community Preservation Fund referendum

Warwick - The Town of Warwick Republican and Democratic committees have voted to support the Community Preservation Fund, according to Andrew McLaughlin, chair of the Warwick Smart Growth Alliance. The Town Board adopted a Community Preservation Project Plan in August of this year. The plan inventories all the properties that may be considered for projects funded by the Community Preservation Fund. Emphasis is placed upon the preservation of open space, watershed and aquifer protection, purchase of development rights from farms, passive and active recreational land and historic sites. A Community Preservation Fund would be established if voters approve a referendum on Election Day. It will derive its revenues from a one-time real estate transfer tax of three-quarters of one percent of the purchase price, with the first $100,000 of a home’s price exempted from the fee. Money in the Community Preservation Fund could only be used to preserve properties listed in the Community Preservation Plan and only with the cooperation of a willing property owner. The Town Democratic Committee overwhelmingly adopted a resolution in support of the Community Preservation Fund in September. The Town Republican Committee adopted a similar resolution on Oct. by a 38 to 1 vote. The Republican resolution specifically notes the long history of the town in preserving open space, places of natural beauty, historic sites and its ongoing support of agricultural viability. The Democratic Committee recognizes the foresight of a broad-based funding strategy that will yield benefits to future generations. Both resolutions urge all Town residents to vote “yes” in support of the Community Preservation Fund on Nov. 7. “This is a true demonstration of community in its highest sense,” said McLaughlin in a press release announcing the endorsements. “No matter what our political affiliations, people in the Town of Warwick understand how important it is to our way of life to preserve the strong rural character and agricultural economy that we enjoy.”