(A) Authorization.
(1) The Township Board is authorized to establish an acquisition of development rights (ADR) program to acquire property interests in agricultural and other eligible land from willing landowners in Williamstown Township. The property interest acquired may be either the development rights, or any lesser interest, easement, covenant or other contractual right. Acquisition of development rights under this chapter may not be accomplished through condemnation. Participation in this program by a landowner shall be voluntary; the township shall have no authority to force a landowner to participate.
(2) Acquisition of property interests through the ADR program may be accomplished by purchase, gift, grant, bequest, devise, covenant or contract, but only at a cost that is equal to or less than the appraised value, as provided in this chapter.
(3) The Township Board is authorized to contract with other land conservation organizations or farmland conservation trusts to participate in the acquisition of interests in land or to administer the rights obtained by the township under the ADR program.
(B) Financing. The Township Board is authorized to finance the ADR program through one or more of the sources identified in § 33 of Michigan Public Act 184 of 1943, being M.C.L.A. §§ 125.3101 – 125.3702, as amended, including general appropriations by the township, proceeds from the sale of development rights, grants, donations, bonds or notes, General Fund revenue, special assessments and other sources approved by the Township Board and permitted by law.
(Ord. passed 6-29-1999)