BILL NUMBER: S10283
SPONSOR: WEBB
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act authorizing the county of Cortland to transfer ownership of Line-
ar Park to Lime Hollow Nature Center, Inc.
 
PURPOSE:
To alienate a trail and transfer ownership to a nonprofit which will
maintain it as accessible to the public for recreational purposes
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section One authorizes Courtland County to transfer ownership of land
known as Linear Park to the Lime Hollow Nature Center, Inc. for contin-
ued purposes and upkeep.
Section Two outlines that the bill is contingent on the County of Cort-
land dedicating the funds that Linear Park would be worth to be used for
future land and/or nature purchases at a fair market estimate of what
the park would have been sold for.
Section Three provides the specific description of the land that will be
conveyed, totaling approximately 21.417 acres in the Town of Cortland-
ville.
Section Four allows for a clause to be put in place, if the Lime Hollow
Nature Center, Inc. company use the land any reason other than public
recreation, the lands shall be returned to the County of Courtland.
Section Five mandates that the land, including all structures and facil-
ities a part of it, be maintained, owned, and operated for recreational
purposes by Lime Hollow Nature Center, Inc.
Section Six requires that the parkland and facilities remain available
to the general public, including the citizens of Courtland County, and
all facilities on the land to be used shall be available to all.
Section Seven outlines that if the park received additional federal
funding for the purchase, upkeep, or expansion of Linear Park, The
ownership transfer from the County of Courtland to Lime Hollow Nature
Center, Inc. must freeze until Cortland County has complied with any
necessary federal regulations.
Section 8 sets the effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Cortland county acknowledges the vital role that public parks, such as
this linear park, play in enhancing the quality of life for its resi-
dents and providing recreational opportunities for families and individ-
uals alike. The County has determined that there is an opportunity to
explore the transfer ownership of linear park in a manner that aligns
with the County's strategic goals for economic development and community
engagement. In accordance with state law, the parkland alienation proc-
ess is necessary to ensure that the transfer of ownership of this park-
land is conducted transparently and in compliance with all legal
requirements, thereby protecting the interests of the community, while
preserving public access and the ongoing enjoyment of the park by resi-
dents. Lime Hollow Nature Center, Inc. owns property on either side of
this parcel, and has maintained the trail for decades for public use. At
the request of Cortland county, this bill authorizes the transfer of
ownership of a parcel of land with a trail to Lime Hollow Nature Center
Inc.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
None
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
None
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
Immediately.