HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-09-08 03-289 RESOLVECOUNCIL ACIION
Item Mo. 03-289
Date: 9-8-03
Item/subject: Resolve I Supporting the Bangor-tc-Old Town Recreation and Conservation
Corridor Project
Responsible Department: Planning Division
The City Council has been asked to support in concept the Bangor -to -Old Town Recreation and
Conservation Corridor Project for which funds are being sought from the land far Maine
Future's Board and the Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund by the Corridor Committee. The proposed
Corridor extends from Essex Woods W Pushaw lake and will provide linkages between parcels
currently owned by municipalities and conservation organizations. The grant application seeks
funds to acquire conservation easements or fee simple ownership from willing sellers to protect
connections between the already conserved parcels of land in Bangor, Veazie, Orono, Old Town,
Alton and Hudson.
The goals of the Corridor Project are consistent with those of the Civs Comprehensive Plan.
The Project represents a cooperative regional effort and partnership among the six
municipalities, landowners and conservation organizations. The five other municipalities have
offered their support of the grant application. The Resolve reaffirms the Comprehensive Plan
2000 goals of balanced growth and conservation, and enhanced recreation opportunities for the
greater Bangor region.
Department Head
Managers Comments:
This has been reviewed and recommended by the Business and Economic Development Committee.
Please note Nat the areas of Interest are consistent with ttre Oty's Comprehsive Wan;p aoars r
balancing conservation and development in Ne Bangor Mall Area. (� ^^
City Manager
associated IMdrmaBan:
Budget Approval:
Finance DlrecMr
City solicitor
X Passage
First Reading Page-A—of I
Referral
03-289
A "AAA
"signed to Couoeiiar Ferriegtm 9eptAt Ler 8. 2003
p' ' CITY OF BANGOR
)TITLE.) Resolve F Supporting the Bangor -to -Old Town Recreation and Conservation
Corridor Project
WHEREAS, the City of Bangor adopted the revised and updated Comprehensive Plan in 2000, a
plan that promotes a balance between growth and conseryation as well as
enhanced recreational opportunitles; and
WHEREAS, the Comprehensive Plan addresses both the future development of the Corridor
area as well as areas to he prob3ded either through public ownership or land use
and zoning controls; and
WHEREAS, portions of this Corridor area, as identified In the City's Comprehensive Plan, have
been appropriately zoned for resource protection in order to preserve wetlands
and wetland values; and
_; WHEREAS, Me City has also taken steps to preserve open space and natural resources and
offer premier recreation opportunities in the Corridor area through establishing the
City Forest and Essex Woods; and
WHEREAS, the residents of the greater Bangor area appreciate and extensively use the
recreational facilities of the City, including those located in the corridor, and
WHEREAS, the City also respects and recognizes the rights of property owners in this area to
control and "quietly enjoy" their property; and
—–WHEPfEA3; the Corridor is hometaYhe Bangor-Veaae RailmadYucl,–the second railroad -
established In the United States; and
WHEREAS, the Bangor's City Forest provides public access to the National Park Service
Landmark Orono Bog; and
WHEREAS, increased use of Bangor's Trail System continues for year-round
recreational activity; and
WHEREAS, the Corridor Project is an example of regional cooperation among the
municipalities of Bangor, Vea&e, Orono, Old Town, Alton and Hudson; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has determined that it is appropriate M reaffirm the existing
Comprehensive Plan's goals and to advance proposals designed to allow for
continued development, recognize landowner rights and interests, and protect
natural resources in the Corridor area; and
WHEREAS, The Corridor Project is also an example of a valuable public-private endeavor to
accomplish the goals of the Comprehensive Plan
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BANGOR,
THAT:
1. We hereby reaffirm the Comprehensive Plan 2000 goals of balanced growth and
conservation, and the enhancement of recreation opportunities in the Corridor area.
2. We endorse and fully support the Corridor Committee's efforts to submit a proposal that is
consistent with the City's Comprehensive Plan to Me Land for Maine Future's Board and the
Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund for the Bangor-to-Old Town Recreation and Conservation
Corridor.
3. We support the grant proposal's objective to seek funds W acquire conservation easements
or fee simple ownership to protect connections between already conserved parcels of land.
4. We understand that land will only be purchased from property owners willing to sell their
land, or sell easements on their land.. Individual owners will maintain control over their
property and how it Is to be managed.
S. We believe that this project exemplifies a sound public-private partnership between
municipalities, landowners and mnservation organizations and will leave a legacy that can
be passed on to future generations.
IP CIT[ COMCIL
September 8. 2003
Mariner Mede and Seconded
Eorr Passage
Passed
CI
p 02-"289
RESOLVE
(TITLE) Supporting the EaaaOr-to-
Old Towacres a w Plus
Corridor Project
Assigned to Councilor