Funding protects Parma lakeside parcel

Funds have been secured to preserve 35 acres in the Town of Parma slated for preservation under Monroe County's Green Space Initiative. The acreage contains many natural habitats and features, including 1,400 feet of lakeshore frontage, freshwater wetlands, and small streams running along the Lake Ontario shore. The acquisition was highly recommended by the Environmental Management Council and the 2002 New York State Open Space Conservation Plan.

The preservation plan was the work of retiring Congressman John J. LaFalce (D-29) and Monroe County Executive Jack Doyle. "This project will preserve a vulnerable 35 acre parcel of environmentally sensitive property along Lake Ontario that could be threatened by future residential development," said Doyle. "This property is a perfect fit for the county's Green Space Initiative and I applaud the efforts by the Trust for Public Land and the many governmental agencies that worked together to make this project a success."

The total cost of the 35 acres was $865,000 with funding coming from the following local, state and federal agencies: $348,700 - Federal Grant (National Oceanic Atmospheric Association); $226,125 - State Grant (Governor's Department of State); $226,125 - Monroe County's Greenspace Initiative and Trust for Public Land; $64,050 - Monroe County Water Authority.

The Trust for Public Land, a national land conservation organization, negotiated the agreement to purchase the property from its current private owner. "Without this bipartisan, public/private partnership, the acquisition of the Parma site would not be possible," said Clark Wallace, project manager for the Trust for Public Land.

County funding comes from the $2 million set aside last year by County Executive Doyle as part of the Tobacco Settlement. The Parma project was one of nine projects totaling 1,000 acres that was approved by Doyle for preservation in February of this year. Applications for the second round of the program were received in June and an announcement on additional awards is expected in the coming weeks.

Congressman LaFalce, whose congressional district includes the Town of Parma, secured federal funding for the project in the amount of $348,700 through the fiscal year 2002 federal budget. Federal funding came in the form of a grant from the National Oceanic Atmospheric Association (NOAA).

"I am so pleased that I was able to assist in making this property acquisition possible," LaFalce said. "The acquisition will help preserve ecologically sensitive land along Lake Ontario for future generations to enjoy."

The Monroe County Water Authority committed an additional $64,050 in an effort to help protect and preserve the waterfront located between its Brockport and Shoremont Water Treatment Plants, which draws and treats water from Lake Ontario.

Funding under the county's Green Space Initiative is limited to acquisitions and perpetual easements designed to provide permanent protection for open space or farmland under threat for future development.

The proposal has been sent to the Monroe County Legislature for review during their monthly committee cycle with the intent of final approval at the December 10, County Legislature meeting.

Other Green Space projects

Monroe County Executive Jack Doyle recently announced four open space projects that he will recommend for approval as part of the second round of County Green Space funding. The county will provide $395,000 in matching grants to protect environmentally sensitive and agricultural properties in Greece, Perinton, Penfield and Pittsford.

Second round projects include 123 acres in the Braddock Bay/Salmon Creek area of Greece, 75 acres of farmland in Pittsford, 134 acres of farmland in Penfield and 5 acres of vulnerable woodland in Perinton.

Doyle launched the Green Space Initiative in September 2001, using $2 million set aside for open space preservation under the County's Tobacco Securitization plan. The program provides matching grants to towns and land trusts for open space. The first round of the Green Space Initiative targeted $1.5 million to protect nearly 1,000 acres in Brighton, Greece, Henrietta, Irondequoit, Mendon, Parma, Penfield, Pittsford and Webster. Any remaining funds following the first two rounds of the program will go towards additional open space preservation.