NY A06097

Authorizes the Town of Orangetown in Rockland County to establish a community preservation fund through local law, funded by a real estate transfer tax of up to 0.75% on property conveyances, subject to mandatory voter referendum

Fund revenues must be used exclusively for preserving open space, parks, agricultural land, wetlands, wildlife refuges, historic properties, scenic areas, and other community character elements, with farmland preservation designated as the highest priority

Creates a 5-7 member advisory board of local residents with conservation experience (including at least one active farmer) to review and recommend property acquisitions using fund monies

Provides exemptions from the transfer tax including conveyances under $100,000 for improved property or $50,000 for unimproved property, transfers to government entities, gifts, tax sales, and properties already under conservation easements

The real estate transfer tax provisions expire on December 31, 2045, and properties acquired with fund monies cannot be sold or disposed of without express state legislature approval