(A) Recreation and conservation lands are very expensive to purchase (not to mention the high cost to develop facilities and maintain them). The preceding sections described ways that development regulations and other incentives can be used to help preserve and obtain land without expensive purchase.
(B) If the borough considers purchasing land, this plan recommends that the following criteria be carefully considered.
(1) Is it physically suited for active recreation (including being relatively flat and well-drained)?
(2) Would it be well-located to serve current and future neighborhoods?
(3) Is it protected from development by existing regulations (such as floodplains or wetlands)?
(4) Does it have highly scenic qualities, especially if it is in a location that is very visible (such as along a major road or on a ridge)?
(5) Would it provide an important link between existing recreation areas and neighborhoods and/or connecting to natural features in adjacent municipalities?
(6) Would it be desirable for passive recreation?
(7) Could it be purchased for a reasonable price (especially if the seller will “donate” some of the value in return for federal income tax benefits)?
(8) Does it involve a willing seller, as opposed to condemnation?
(9) Would it be developed in the near future if not purchased?
(10) Does it involve environmentally sensitive areas that could be developed under existing regulations (such as forests or steep slopes)?
(C) The borough should work with the Wildlands Conservancy, Northampton County, Bushkill Stream Conservancy and possibly local fish and game organizations to acquire key areas of passive open space. This especially includes lands along the Bushkill Creek. Other important open spaces should be sought through the land dedication requirements in the subdivision and land development ordinance (Chapter 154 of this code of ordinances).
(D) Lands along creeks are important to preserve because they combine many important and highly sensitive natural features. These include wetlands, steep slopes, flood prone areas, high water table soils and wooded areas. Also, lands along these waterways have tremendous potential in the long-run for recreation, especially for hiking, bicycling, fishing, walking, cross-country skiing and nature study.
(E) Many environmentally sensitive areas such as lands along the Bushkill Creek that are not suitable for active recreation should be preserved. Especially if these lands are in small parcels, it may be difficult for the borough to oversee and provide even minimal maintenance to them.
(Ord. passed 8-3-2015)