Ogunquit News
Rep. Hill proposes bill to protect open space
AUGUSTA - Rep. Dawn Hill, D-York, has submitted a bill that would allow towns like York and Ogunquit to choose, by vote of local residents, to lower the property taxes assessed on open space land that is set aside for long-term protection.In a release issued last week, Hill said that the bill will help towns in the effort to preserve open space and manage the pace of municipal growth.
Last week, the bill was referred to the Joint Standing Committee on Taxation, where it will be scheduled for a public hearing in the coming weeks.
The bill, as written, is enabling legislation, meaning it puts no requirement on towns but instead allows communities to decide whether such a provision is in keeping with the town or city's goals.
"I see this bill as a way of rewarding those land owners who are committed to holding on to open space and therefore eliminating the pressure on towns to spend their limited resources on land acquisitions," Hill said in an announcement of the pending legislation.
She cited the importance of open space preservation to local communities, especially those experiencing intense growth pressures, and said she hopes the bill will help towns maintain their quality of place by making it easier for property owners to commit to long-term protection.
To track the status of Hill's bill and other pending legislation of interest to the local community, visit www.maine.gov.
