NY A11186

Authorizes the town of Chester in Orange County to establish a community preservation fund through local law, funded by revenues from a real estate transfer tax and other sources, with deposits required to remain in the fund and not be transferred to other accounts.

Permits the town board to impose a real estate transfer tax of up to three-quarters of one percent on real property conveyances, subject to mandatory voter referendum and establishment of a community preservation fund prior to adoption.

Restricts fund use to five specific purposes: implementing a community preservation plan, acquiring property interests to preserve community character, establishing a transfer of development rights bank, and providing management and stewardship programs (limited to 10% of fund).

Establishes preservation priorities including open space, parks, agricultural land, wetlands, wildlife habitat, historic properties, and greenbelts, with farmland preservation designated as the highest priority.

Creates a five or seven-member advisory board of local residents without compensation to review and recommend property acquisitions, requiring at least one active farmer and a majority with conservation or land preservation experience; exempts local legislative body members from serving.

Tax provisions expire December 31, 2038, with multiple exemptions for government transfers, gifts, development-restricted properties, and viable agricultural land subject to permanent conservation restrictions.