§ 20D-2. Legislative intent.

Continuing development within the town has demonstrated a compelling need to preserve open space, to assure the continued availability of adequate amounts and diversity of parkland for active and passive recreational use and the aesthetic enjoyment of such lands and for the town to fulfill its environmental stewardship responsibilities, enhance the general quality of life and the environment of the town, attract and retain economic development, manage growth, preserve neighborhoods and community character and thereby benefit the residents and taxpayers of the town. The need for the restoration and protection of environmentally sensitive areas and the improvement and enhancement of coastal areas and waterways has also been demonstrated. In order to achieve these goals, the town requires a cogent mechanism creating the capacity to purchase land, easements or other real property rights and interests quickly and efficiently, and make original improvements and enhancements thereto and perform restoration, protection, improvement and enhancement projects as the need arises and opportunities are identified, as appropriate fiscal planning is an essential component of fulfilling these environmental goals.