The county legislature’s Government Operations Committee will consider the purchase offer made by members of the Indian Creek Neighborhood Association (ICNA) at its next meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 3 at 3:30 p.m. The committee will meet in executive session to discuss the offer.

On Jan. 15, eight ICNA members presented a letter of intent to the county legislature with an offer to purchase the 25.5 acres of woods and wetlands at Indian Creek for the purpose of preserving its natural state as a haven for wildlife, a diverse ecological mix of woods, creek and wetlands, a source of oxygen/clean air, and a buffer against downstream erosion and degradation. We sincerely believe that preserving all or most of the “Biggs Parcel” in a natural state, ultimately under some form of public or semi-public ownership, offers substantial and tangible/economic benefits to county residents.

We hope that the county legislators will recognize the strong, widespread support ICNA has received from the community since we formed the association in 2013, and base their decision on community input, county quality of life, and environmental stewardship. Short-term decision-making based only on financial concerns erodes public confidence and can lead to long-term negative consequences.

Every January, the legislature reconstitutes its committees; Government Operations will now meet the first Wednesday of each month. Dan Klein continues as chair. Will Burbank is vice chair, with members Dooley Kiefer, Rich John and Carol Chock.

Government Operations Committee

Wednesday, Feb. 3 at 3:30 p.m.

Legislative Chambers, Tompkins Building, 121 E. Court St.