‘The choice will be ours and ours alone'

To the editor: As in the past, Warwick is at a pivotal point in its history. For the passed 15 years the residents of our town have put in place a solid comprehensive plan, innovative zoning which contains provisions for affordable housing, farming protections, and critical resource protection. The crown jewel, of course, was our town’s decision to tax ourselves $9.5 million to preserve working farms and open space. We have, however, become victims of our own success as average home prices have risen more than 50 percent in four years (36 percent higher than the average for Orange County) and the amount of open land has continued to decline. Our current residents have made their contributions and can afford no more. That is why the Town Board has fought and secured from the New York State Legislature the right to put before our voters the question of enacting a three-quarters of one percent tax on the purchase of real estate in our Town. This one-time fee is paid by those eager to share in all that our wonderful Town has become. This is a local Town of Warwick issue, and in the best spirit of democracy the choice will be ours and ours alone. I believe that if each and every one of our residents takes the time to sift through the myths, misinformation and in some cases outright falsehoods they will support this measure on Nov. 7. A copy of the Warwick Community Preservation Project Plan is available on the town’s web site at www.townofwarwick.org/residents/townhall/municipalcalender. Michael P. Sweeton Supervisor, Town of Warwick