Open Space Commission - Minutes 09/19/01

HOMEWORK:

Kevin and Andy to create letter to landowners introducing the OSC and alerting the landowners to the fact that options are available for open space preservation that may be in the landowners' best financial interests as well. This letter is to be mailed after the October meeting.

1. Discussion about Properties previously identified for Preservation as Open Space: (refer to Minutes of July 18, 2001 meeting for properties)
• Commission members discussed criteria to be employed in order to create a ranking system for the properties:
• Bob Jones suggested criteria such as environmental factors, ground water recharge, view shed, woods, historical value. Each criteria would include its own point range (1-5 for example).
• Frank Corcoran suggested the creation of a foundation for a model by identifying the most valuable criteria and adding secondary parameters which weigh a bit less than dthe primary criteria.
• Kevin Kuhn suggested a list of "detractors" that exist when ranking the property's vulnerability to development such as wetlands, steep slopes, streams - which are protected by existing zoning restrictions.
• Commission members discussed how to begin the process of selecting properties:
• Andy Motel reminded members of the definitions employed by the Township Supervisors and by Chester County "Linking Landscapes."
• Bob Jones alsnoted OSC's responsibility to the Board of Supervisors in presenting to them all attributes of the proposed properties.
2. Discussion about sending a letter to township landowners:
   
• the letter would introduce landowners to the OSC, alert them to many options available to them, and seeking to provide those landowners interested in open space preservation with more information.
3. Suggestion of setting up a booth on election day:
• Rosemary Philips suggested that OSC provide an information booth to residents on election day as another way to reach out to residents and to familiarize residents with the OSC and with information and options available.
4. Suggestion of presentation to interested landowners offering options, resources, and information about the benefits of land conservation:
• presentation would be held in either January or February
• speakers might include a tax attorney and a representative from Conservation Advisors for example

• no speaker until November meeting: possibly invite Conservation Advisors to speak
• divide up phone list of landowners to whom letter will be sent and follow-up letter with phone call
• discuss content of follow-up call and provide OSC members with resources in order to provide information for landowners
• assemble details for election day booth
• discuss presentation for January or February (see "D" above)
• discuss grant writing and other funding options