‘The preservation' of Warwick's character

To the editor: The Conservation Board of the Town of Warwick has observed the confusion regarding the Community Preservation Fund (CPF) which is up for vote on Nov. 7. Part of our mandate, as advisors to the Town Board and the Planning Board on environmental and conservation issues, is to inform the citizens of the Town of Warwick about important issues affecting our natural surroundings and quality of life - such as the Warwick CPF. In 2000, the extraordinary and forward-thinking voters of the Town of Warwick approved a $9.5 million bond issue to save open space through the purchase of development rights (PDR). As of this writing, approximately 2,400 acres have been preserved. If these 2,400 acres had been developed as residential homes, it would mean approximately 675 houses, more than 800 new students in our schools, more than 3,000 more car trips on our roads per year and continued increases in community expenses. It is important that all of our citizens understand that the preservation of open space decreases the demands for roads, schools, police, fire and other services for which our community must be responsible. All PDR funds are committed. The purpose of the CPF is to allow our community to continue to obtain parkland, purchase open space, preserve farms and protect our water resources. When open space disappears, roads become clogged, air quality declines and both water quality and supply are degraded. The Warwick Conservation Board urges all of our citizens to vote yes on Nov. 7 for the Community Preservation Fund and help continue the preservation of our farmland, picturesque landscapes, rural character and open spaces. Sincerely, Dan Duthie, chairman Warwick Conservation Board