Lansing Open Space Conservation Plan

Most of these resources have been documented within the Town’s existing Natural Resources Inventory, but open space also includes farmland, undeveloped areas of residential lots, and recreational facilities. Most of the open spaces in Lansing are privately owned, but some are owned by public entities or organizations such as the Finger Lakes Land Trust and are available for public access.

• Property Values:  Studies  have shown that homeowners are willing to pay more to live in proximity to open space, particularly when adjacent lands cannot be developed, resulting in higher sale values and thus higher property tax revenues.
• Job Creation / Retention: Open space can create a variety of employment opportunities, which includes the maintenance of farming as a viable industry in the Town, which is currently a significant component of the Town’s economic base. Open space supports tourism and outdoor recreation, which can spur additional investment in supportive businesses such as rental shops, restaurants and drinking establishments; as well as park and conservation staff employment opportunities.
• Reduced Community Service Costs: Another significant benefit is the reduced cost of providing public services required for open space when compared to other land uses. Several fiscal impact  studies  have shown that residential development often results in a net fiscal loss for communities, when comparing the tax revenue raised versus the cost of providing public services. The graphic below shows the median cost to provide public services for each dollar of revenue raised, as shown by Cost of Community Services (COCS) Studies performed by the American Farmland Trust.

Social benefits include benefits for both residents of Lansing as well as the broader regional population. It should also be noted that many of these social benefits have implied financial benefits, as discussed in the examples below:

1. Establish Ranking Criteria
2. Identify parcels to be evaluated
3. Analyze data for each parcel and assign scoring
4. Compile results

Various strategies can be used for accomplishing the Vision and Goals of this Plan. The implementation options presented should be viewed as a toolkit of potential actions the Town or its partners may undertake as opportunities arise. The types of strategies include the following: