East Fishkill board approves notice for $20 million open‑space bond referendum

The East Fishkill Town Board voted to publish notice of a bond proposition asking voters to approve borrowing of up to $20,000,000 under the town's Community Character Preservation Act, the supervisor said at the Aug. 27 meeting.

Supervisor D'Elzandro said the measure stems from the town master plan, where more than 80% of survey respondents voiced a preference for more open space and less development. "This is an opportunity for us to do that," he said, adding the town will hold multiple public hearings on any property considered for purchase. Town Attorney explained that if voters approve the bond, the town would enact the Preservation Act and then identify candidate parcels, enter 90‑day option agreements and hold public hearings before completing purchases.

Town Controller offered an illustrative estimate to show residents potential costs: for a house with $550,000 assessed value, the controller said the annual cost would be about $97.98 per year. The attorney emphasized that purchases would be subject to permissive referendum and public input for each property selection.

The board authorized the town clerk to publish and post notice of the proposition in local newspapers and online. Board members said the town will distribute detailed information via public meetings, the town website and social media ahead of the November vote. If approved, the town would use the funding to buy large vacant parcels, farmland or development rights to keep the land permanently green.