ADDRESS BY SEYMOUR GORDON

WARWICK CENTER

APRIL 2, 2006

Welcome to you all.

Most everyone is aware that PDR (purchase of development rights) -- in Warwick -- is alive and well and progressing toward its goal of farmland preservation. Also, the PDR jewel -- that has come to fruition on the south side of Mt Peter -- is a huge bonus for people of Greenwood Lake -- and for the Townspeople as a whole. It's the public beach at the end of Windemere Ave. that's now being renovated by the Town -- and readied for another season of use. More recreational lands -- will be purchased in the GWL school district -- from the reserved portion of the $9.5 million approved in the November 2000 referendum.

On this side of the Mountain, almost 1100 acres have been protected through the PDR bond money -- in conjunction with NY State, -- U.S. Department of Agriculture, -- Scenic Hudson Land Trust -- and Orange County Open Space funding.

I must mention at this point, -- that every single farm that has been -- and that will be -- protected through PDR easement will continue to pay property taxes on the same basis as in the past. I say this to dispel the notion -- and the destructive rumor -- that protected farms are absolved from paying taxes.

To continue, -- we have enough cash left that is committed to 5 or 6 more farms, and that will preserve about 1100 additional acres. But then -- there are 11 more farm owners who have indicated serious interest in PDR -- and we won't have the funds, -- even for a local match, -- with any of our previous granting partners.

And that's why we are here. We have this one time -- open window of opportunity -- to provide a constant source of funding -- that will not necessitate a general tax. You've already heard -- that the NY State Legislature voted, in last year's session -- to give Warwick voters the right to approve a real estate transfer fee. This would provide for a buyer fee of three-quarters of one percent -- on the purchase of a home in the Town, -- and there would be an exemption, -- or no fee on the first $100,000. We have calculated -- that on that basis, -- and had the opportunity been at hand in 2004, -- the transfer fee would have produced about $800,0000 for that year and would have been placed in a dedicated fund -- to be used only for, farmland preservation, watershed protection, saving of historic sites or providing recreational lands. The yield -- would vary from year to year, -- but would provide a reliable source of funding.

As Warwick becomes further developed, -- we must direct our energies and attention to the unique factors -- that make the Town such an attractive destination. Those are the items I've just mentioned, but I have an additional motive --- it's the security of a local food supply.

The increasing scarcity of fossil fuels and the sharply increased cost -- carries an ominous message -- regarding a secure supply of food -- that comes to us from thousands of miles away. And it comes to us only through the huge consumption of gasoline and diesel fuel.

Industrial farming, that uses vast amounts of natural gas to produce fertilizer, -- the huge diesel tractors and diesel powered irrigation pumps on farms, -- and the trucking industry -- that burns tens of millions of gallons of diesel fuel to bring food to market -- will eventually be confronted with “dry wells and dry fuel pumps”

I want to assure us -- the utmost of food security right here. With about 6000 acres of black dirt, -- plus, -- my goal of preserving 4000 acres of upland farms, -- we can produce a great mix of vegetable crops, fruit, milk and livestock for meat. Warwick can have a food -- self-sufficiency, plus an economic boost from agriculture -- that can be most enviable -- and a source of food supply safety. This is not some wild nightmare -- not some outrageous speculation; very respected organizations like Earth Policy Institute and Worldwatch have traced the downward trend of fossil fuels availability. James Kunstler's recent book “The Long Emergency” projects a world in which gas and oil will have become nearly depleted. This projection is likely within the next two to four decades. The probable trauma and dislocation resulting is not a tidy scene, but the small towns and villages that are proximal to a good supply of farmland are the least affected and the most likely to survive a much downscaled living space. So much of that for now.

I want to conclude on a positive outlook. What we're doing here is promoting the preservation of the economic, the esthetic and the cultural way of life that is and has been the trademark for the Town of Warwick --and we need your help to accomplish this.

Please sign up for the “Smart Growth team” -- We need an army of devoted foot soldiers who will man the phones, distribute the flyers at stores, and public events, and will spread the word in every way possible. When the first Tuesday in November comes around, election day, you can help assure a large margin of “yes” votes for the Community Preservation Fund.

Oh yes, and by the way – we need money -- lots of it. We anticipate a very well heeled -- direct mail campaign to defeat our effort, and we must be ready to counter that -- when it materializes. If you're ready to write a check – please make it as generous as possible when you make it out to W-S-G-A You can do it right after this or mail one to WSGA -- at Box 192 Warwick.

Thanks for coming and thanks for listening. We'll be deeply appreciative for all the help you can supply to this very vital cause – the referendum for the Community Preservation Fund.