Cornwall Conservation Trust

INITIAL PROPOSAL FOR OFFERING PROPERTY OR DEVELOPMENT RIGHTS TO CCT
Thank you for your interest in CCT and the opportunities it provides to conserve Cornwall lands for future generations. Please help us evaluate your proposal by preparing an informal introduction. This does not need to be in legal language, but should address as many of the listed points as possible. And if you have questions, please ask a CCT Board member.

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Description of Land -- briefly describe the land in question and its ownership.
-- location: which part of town, street address, total acres and number to be preserved, P&Z zoning category
-- natural characteristics (flat, hilly, ridge, dry or wet, open fields, forested, flora & fauna, views)
-- past and present uses (agriculture, forestry, other business, habitation, recreation)
-- any known environmental hazards or dumping areas
-- who owns and how, date acquired, current deed restrictions or encumberances (if any)
-- any mortgages, liens, litigation
-- if you intend to keep any contiguous land, describe the location, the approximate acreage and
intended uses.

Sketch or Survey Map -- provide a map showing property boundaries, names of adjacent owners, natural features of interest (wetland soils, streams, ponds, ridgelines, viewshed), access from public road, major man-made features, driveways & trails, rights of way and any other information you think useful.
(Tax maps from the Town Office may be helpful.)

Summary Statement of Goals -- in your opinion, what would make this parcel of interest to CCT and to the public -- what is the conservation purpose?
-- what is special about the land that merits preservation? what will actually be preserved?
-- is your parcel contiguous to already protected land, does it have unique natural resources or visual benefits which should be protected?
-- do you wish to continue to live on or use part of the land? (if so, please outline your intentions in detail)
-- will public access be allowed? if so, where?
-- tax benefits you seek, if any (property tax, income tax, estate tax).

Proposal to CCT -- will this be a donation or sale and what conservation option do you favor?
-- is it your wish to place a conservation easement (restriction of development rights) on the land?
-- is it your wish to give the land outright to CCT for preservation in perpetuity?
-- if selling, have you considered a “bargain sale” of the land or rights to offset capital gains taxes?
-- what are your alternatives to handing over land or rights to CCT? would you gift or sell to another conservation group, or aim to subdivide and sell at a market price?
-- your timing: is there some urgency or deadline for completing the transaction?

Please note that CCT requires a minimum of six months from receipt of your initial proposal to completion of a transaction (possibly longer if it’s a complex one).

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Affordable Housing -- Cornwall has a continuing need for additional affordable housing.
-- have you considered, or would you consider, donating one or more small parcels of one acre or more of your property to the Cornwall Housing Corp. for affordable housing? if so, please identify what and where, then contact CHC for its input.

Expert Advice -- from experience CCT recognizes that permanently disposing of your land or the right to develop it is an important and lasting decision, and it should not be taken hastily. In addition to talking with family members, have you consulted professionals such as a land planner or forester, or a lawyer, accountant, tax expert or appraiser? If not, perhaps you may wish to seek expert advice to help in preparing your proposal.

We appreciate your taking the time to think through and describe your proposal. Please hand or mail it to a member of the Board of Directors of CCT, together with your contact information.

(Rev. 1/07)