In Richland Township, the most dramatic changes have occurred over the past 40 years, as developers transformed hundreds of acres of farm fields into new residential and commercial developments. The Richland Township Preservation Board, a volunteer group of residents, was formed in 1999 to administer the Open Space Plan, which was created in response to these new growth demands.
In 2002, the voters of Richland overwhelmingly voted for the township to secure a $3.2-million bond for the purchase of open space and conservation easements. The bond was paid off through a 15-year 0.1% Earned Income Tax (EIT). In 2016, voters overwhelmingly said “yes” to extending this tax an additional five years and a total of 1,400 acres have been preserved forever.
This spring, the voters in Richland will be asked to extend their current 0.1% Earned Income Tax for an additional 4.5 years for the preservation of open space. It will be a referendum question on the ballot. This is not a tax increase. It is the extension of the current tax residents have been paying since 2003, and is only on income, not real estate. It does not affect those who are living on retirement income, Social Security, pensions, interest or stock dividends.
Over 1,400 acres has been preserved in perpetuity through conservation easements and purchases. The Preservation Board has concentrated on preserving township farms, thereby saving a significant portion of the character and almost 300-year history of Richland Township. Not only are the valuable agricultural soils protected for farming, but also the scenic rural landscape remains for all to enjoy.
The Preservation Board has also protected valuable natural resources: woodlands, meadows, wetlands, wildlife and open land for groundwater recharge. The Preservation Board has targeted areas to preserve in the Upper Tohickon Watershed, the source of your water.
We have been able to work with Heritage Conservancy, a nationally accredited not-for-profit conservation organization, and have significantly extended our financial resources by utilizing the Bucks County land preservation programs. After 24 years of hard work, we find that there is still more work to do.
Hundreds of acres in Richland are still at risk of development. There is still a lot of interest from rural landowners in preservation.
Preserved farmland and natural areas require few public services and is a means of limiting urban sprawl.Urban sprawl is one problem that residents have the power to control by preserving open space. Land preservation benefits the whole community, keeping development at bay, which keeps our school and local taxes down, as well as providing a better quality of life. Open space brings balance to our rapidly urbanizing community.
On May 16, please vote “yes” for open space.
Kathleen Fedorocsko is the chairwoman of the Richland Township Preservation Board.
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