The Cattaraugus County Legislature announced on Mar. 26 that a public hearing will be held regarding requests for inclusion of land into Agricultural District 5. The hearing is scheduled for April 22 at 5:01 PM at the Cattaraugus County Center in Little Valley, New York.
This annual process allows landowners across every municipality in Cattaraugus County to request the addition of their property to the agricultural district. For this year, the county is proposing to add 24 parcels totaling approximately 1,398 acres, based on recommendations from the Agricultural and Farmland Protection Board.
The public hearing is required by Article 25 AA of the New York State Agriculture and Markets Law Section 303-b and serves as an opportunity for community members to comment on proposed changes before they are finalized.
Cattaraugus County provides a range of services through departments focused on community needs such as aging support, mental health care, and economic development, as noted on the official website. The county also supports youth development and rehabilitation programs aimed at fostering productive members of society according to its official website.
Additionally, Cattaraugus County maintains nursing homes in Olean and Machias that offer long-term care and rehabilitation services according to its official website. The county handles real property taxes for about 51,430 parcels across various districts as reported by its official website, and operates under a legislature made up of fifteen members who appoint a county administrator to oversee daily operations according to its official website.
Other services provided include mental health support programs, workforce development initiatives, and public health offerings as detailed by the official website. The upcoming public hearing represents part of ongoing efforts by local government to engage residents in decisions affecting agriculture and land use.
