HomeMy WebLinkAboutDRAFT Resolution #XX of 2020 Ag District #1DRAFT
Town of Danby
Planning Board Resolution No. XX of 2020
Eight Year Review of Agricultural District #1 and Recommended Changes
Whereas County Agricultural Districts are reviewed every eight years for potential changes, per
New York State Agriculture Districts Law; and
Whereas Monika Roth from Tompkins County Cornell Cooperative Extension presented to the
Planning Board about the review process on November 21, 2019; and
Whereas the Town Planner prepared a draft analysis of properties recommended for removal
and presented this to the Planning Board on December 19, 2019; and
Whereas the Planning Board may make recommendations, using sound land use planning, to the
Tompkins County Agriculture and Farmland Protection Board regarding properties to be
removed from agricultural districts; and
Whereas the Town of Danby’s analysis was based generally on property size (e.g. three acres or
less), proximity to other small parcels, and current land. Upon careful review, the analysis
includes [186] parcels (see attached map and list) be recommended for removal from Tompkins
County Agricultural District #1; and
Whereas the Planning Board fully supports sustainably scaled, traditional farming activities but
has concerns over a very expansive definition of agriculture that can now include tasting rooms
(e.g. Owera Vineyards, Town of Cazenovia), retail stores, and processing facilities that can
function more like commercial and industrial operations; and
Whereas uses that function more like bars, restaurants, event venues, retail stores, and industrial
operations are not generally compatible with mixed farming and rural residential communities;
and
Whereas these tangential agricultural and agro-business uses are not an immediate concern on
the 186 properties recommended for removal, however the Planning Board sees little benefit for
small parcels unlikely to be used for agricultural uses to remain in the Agricultural District; and
DRAFT Planning Board Resolution #XX of 2020, Eight Year Review of Agricultural District #1
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Now Therefore, be it Resolved that the Town of Danby Planning Board does hereby
recommend [186] properties (see attached map and list) be removed from Tompkins County
Agriculture District #1.
Approved __________________________, 2020
________________________________________
James R. Rundle, Chairperson
DRAFT Planning Board Resolution #XX of 2020, Eight Year Review of Agricultural District #1
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