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For Immediate Release January 27, 2011
Town of Parma/Genesee Land Trust Finalize Preservation of the Martin Family Farm
On December 17, 2010, the Town of Parma and the Genesee Land Trust finalized the process to preserve the 114 acre Martin farm on the North East corner of Hilton-Parma Corners Rd. and Burritt Rd. The Town of Parma will co-own the development rights 50/50 with a strong partner in land preservation, the Genesee Land Trust. Buy purchasing the development rights, the land shall remain farmland for agricultural use forever. Agriculture has always been a core industry to Parma since it was established as a town in 1808. Today, agriculture is still the leading industry in Parma. The Martin’s are fourth generation farmers on this property and rotate several crops on the land including soybeans, corn, wheat and other vegetables. David Martin recognized that this was the best opportunity to achieve his uncle Dick Martin’s wishes to preserve the farm for perpetuity. Many of Parma's citizens may remember in early June 2010 there was a referendum to determine whether the town should match a Monroe County Green Space Initiative grant to preserve this family farm. By a 3-1 margin, the vote was in favor to have the town match the County grant of $129,500 The agricultural soil in Western NY is considered some the best farming soil in the world and Parma’s partner in this preservation, Genesee Land Trust, is a regional leader in protecting land of all types. Genesee Land Trust not only considers farmland for protection, but many forests, wetlands and open space. They currently protect thousands of acres throughout western NY. By preserving this farm, Parma also recognizes the importance of preserving farmland and its heritage. In 2007, the Town Board formed the Parma Farmland and Open Space Preservation Committee. Since then, the Committee has been laying the building blocks to advise the Town Board in their decisions in matters such as this. In 2009, the Committee completed a Farmland Protection Plan, and was the first town in New York State to have its plan approved by the Commissioner of the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets. The Parma Farmland and Open Space Committee plan to have an on-site dedication in the spring. Genesee Land Trust, the local land preservation organization, is proud to be a partner in this important project. -end- CONTACTS Scott Copey, Chairman Parma Farmland and Open Space Preservation Committee 99 Dunbar Road Hilton, NY 14468 Day phone: (585) 723-2356 Cell: (585) 967-1200
Parma Town Hall - 1300 Hilton Parma Corners Rd. - P.O. Box 728 - Hilton, NY 14468 GENESEE LAND TRUST Gay Mills, executive director (585) 256-2130; gmills@geneseelandtrust.org
Genesee Land Trust is the Rochester area’s local land preservation organization. Gay Mills is the Executive Director.
CONTACT: Margaret Potter, Director Communications & Development (585) 256-2150
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