Raymond Voter Information Project
Article 34
Audette Estates Acquisition and Conservation Easement
Click HERE for direct link to the text of Town Warrant Article (revised at Town Deliberative Session Feb. 6, 2010).
The Conservation Commission would like to purchase and place a conservation easement on the 78 acre Audette Estates property, located between Smith Pond Road and Audette Road and abutting the Lillian Cassier Memorial Town Forest. Acquisition of this property would protect the existing aquifer and the Dudley Brook that flows into the Lamprey River. A conservation easement is a legally binding contract to protect the parcel's natural resources of ponds, streams, wetlands, forests and wildlife habitat in perpetuity and to prevent future sub-division or development. There is no tax impact. (1)
A YES VOTE on this article would signal the voter's desire to purchase the property and place a conservation easement on it.
A NO VOTE would maintain the current status of the property.
Pros:
- Protects ponds, streams, wetlands and the aquifer that feeds the town's drinking water.
- Protects forest resources and habitat for wildlife.
- Open space for town residents to enjoy active and passive outdoor recreation.
- Land in conservation easements does not cost the taxpayers for town and school services. (2)
Cons:
- A conservation easement closes the property to all future development.
- The town currently receives $149 annual tax revenue on this land.
(3)
References:
1. Conservation Commission funds established per RSA 36-A:5 by Raymond
voters for conservation uses and deemed not part of the General Fund by
RSA 79-A:25 are currently adequate to cover purchase price and one-time
costs.
2. Superintendent Dr. Jeanne Richards: Current annual per student cost
to taxpayers: 2008-09 $12,860.92.
3. Town tax records.
Please send questions/comments to editor@raymondvip.org
Return to Raymond VIP Town Warrant Information
Return to Issues
|