Ryan Viehweger
News Editor
Amidst heavy development of lands in neighboring townships, citizens of Solebury Township voted on whether Solebury should borrow money for the sake of land preservation on Nov. 5. Neighboring townships have been subject of heavy development, losing most of their farmlands and historic areas. Keeping woodlands and farmlands away from cookie-cutter home development has been a hallmark of Solebury Township citizens for generations, and the vote determined that Solebury citizens still prioritize land preservation.
The “Open Space Referendum” vote passed overwhelmingly, with nearly 75% of voters in favor.
The vote passing marked at least “the fifth time voters approved the township to take on open space-related debt since 1996,” displaying the passion people have for preservation in this area. With “approximately 38 percent of its acreage under some form of conservation” this referendum represents continued support from citizens to continue this effort. Having six National Historic Districts, four National Historic Landmarks, and 38% of acreage under preservation, Solebury township contains the most unimpeded lands in the area, and voters displayed their continued willingness to allow borrowing for the sake of land preservation.
