The Town of Verona Natural and Recreational Areas Committee (NRAC) has been evaluating ideas on how to help landowners find ways to protect their properties and preserve the farms and natural resources that help keep Verona the special place we enjoy. NRAC’s findings will be presented to the ToV Board of Supervisors in an upcoming meeting and there will be time available for public comments.
One of the ideas being proposed is the creation of a ToV Purchase of Development Rights (PDR) program, a concept pioneered in Wisconsin by the Town of Dunn back in 1997. It has been very successful there, having helped protect over 3000 acres.
We thought you might be interested in learning about the opportunities offered by this type of program so we’re providing an informational link to the Town of Dunn’s page:
https://www.townofdunnwi.gov/purchase-of-development-rights-pdr
This program could be extremely useful in helping to keep farming viable and reducing the possibility of continued annexation of Town lands. This meeting is only a first step; if the Board supports the idea, residents will have opportunities to learn and comment through public meetings, and then to vote on having the program.
If you’d like the Town of Verona to consider adopting such a program or if you want to show your enthusiasm for learning more about it, then please come to the Board meeting April 12 and voice your support. The important thing right now is to encourage the Board to move the process forward to the point where residents have sufficient information to determine if they want the PDR program.
Your voice can make a difference!