Open Space Commission - Minutes 09/18/02

• Long discussion in which the desirability of the Official Map as a tool was discussed at length.
  
• For our information: The Official Map is permitted in the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code. Its purpose is to allow local government to reserve land for future public purposes, such as roads, utility extensions, parks, trails, and open space.
  
• Discussion topics included:
  
• Township Landowners' reservations about being designated as desirable open space.
  
• Possible misunderstandings about the Land Use Map were made evident
  
• Need for the Map as one more tool to help supervisors prevent unfettered development was reiterated.
  
• Important for the Open Space Committee to distance itself from the adoption of this map. That is job for supervisors.
  
• Commission members commented on the general tone of the meeting (interested and non confrontational); and the concern evidenced by the large landowners that the large tracts be preserved.
  

• Next issue will come out in October.
  
• Assignments - Deadline for material to go to Aliena is September 30
  
• Issue will focus on the economic and life importance of Open Space
  
• Article re the economic advantages of Open Space - Frank Corcoran
  
• Synopsis of Andy's presentation to the BOS - Sue
  
• Andy - Clear Layman's explanation of Easements
  
• CSA - Bill Anderson
  
• Announcement of upcoming workshops will be included
  
• All attending the meeting were comfortable having their names, phone #'s and email addresses included in the newsletter as resources for those with questions.
  

• Limited partnerships - Bob Roggio (maybe with help from Tim BernardZ)
  
• Matching Grants - ??
  
• Creating a Charlestown Land Trust??
  
• Where to get matching funds - ???