A group that works to preserve open space in Santa Clara County will receive millions of dollars every year toward its efforts, following the approval of a parcel tax.
Measure D will generate $17 million annually through a two-cent-per-square-foot of building area parcel tax to fund creek and water restoration, land stewardship, expansion of open space and trails, wildlife habitat protection and the preservation of local agricultural lands. Voters on June 2 approved the tax, which applies to property owners within the boundaries of the Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority, which includes San Jose, Milpitas, Campbell, Santa Clara and Morgan Hill.
The average single-family residence is expected to pay an additional $32 annually under Measure D, with a maximum tax cap per parcel of $7,500 and exemptions for older adults and low-income property owners. It’s expected that commercial and industrial property owners will pay more, but are also covered under the $7,500 cap…