Imagine your township telling you to hand over land or money. That's what some property owners in Perry County feel like they could experience.

Under a new proposal, Wheatfield Township residents who sell large parcels of land would have to give their municipality a small piece of property for recreational use.

Township supervisors were supposed to vote on the ordinance Tuesday night, but after more than two hours of public comment, mostly negative, local leaders decided to put it to residents. The issue will appear as a referendum on an upcoming ballot in 2009.

"It's socialistic. What we bought, what we paid for is no longer ours," said resident Tom McNaughton, Jr.

McNaughton doesn't want to hand over land to the township if he has to sell his farm. It's also his kids' inheritance.

"My children in time will take over the entire farm and that's my dream," he said.

McNaughton was one of almost 100 residents who attended the public hearing. Most people spoke out against an ordinance that would require land owners to give the township an undetermined payment, or 3/10 acre, should they sell more than twenty acres. The parcels would then be used for public recreation.

Supporters say the plan is designed to address the future, to limit development and to protect open space, and it only sets aside land if the owner sells a large parcel.

"I think it needs some tweaking here or there but I think it's in the best interest of future for the future for the people who want to live here because of what it is. If you want to live in the city, go live in the city," said resident Dave Jenkins.

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