The General Assembly Raised Bill No. 1498 aims to amend the existing Park Replacement Statute by clarifying the requirements for municipalities when they take, convert, or repurpose land that was originally dedicated for park or recreational purposes. The bill specifies that if a municipality takes such land for highway or other non-park purposes, it must provide comparable replacement land that is at least equal in value and size to the land taken. Additionally, before proceeding with the conversion or repurposing of the land, municipalities are required to hold a public hearing to discuss the proposed actions, the reasons for them, and the details of the replacement land.

Key insertions in the bill include the terms "converts or repurposes," the inclusion of "including, but not limited to, any land in such municipality's possession," and the specification of "non-park or non-open space" purposes. The bill also emphasizes the need for public notice regarding the hearing, which must be published in a local newspaper and held within a specified timeframe. The overall intent of the bill is to ensure that municipalities are held accountable for replacing parkland that is repurposed for other uses, thereby protecting open space and recreational areas for the community.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 7-131n