§ 57. Special conditions for leases entered prior to approval of canal recreationway plan. 1. In the period between the effective date of this section and the completion of the canal recreationway plan, the commission shall review and comment on proposed leases with respect to the consistency of such leases with the provisions of this article. Where local zoning laws and zoning ordinances are in effect on lands proposed to be leased or on lands adjacent to those lands proposed to be leased, during such period the commission shall also review and comment on proposed leases with respect to the compatibility of such leases, to the extent practicable, with the requirements of such local zoning laws and zoning ordinances.

2. In addition to the other applicable provisions of this article, the corporation shall ensure that: (a) the lease will benefit the canal system by effectuating the development of the canal as a recreationway; (b) the lease will foster a canal system characterized by clusters of development and stretches of undeveloped open space which is conducive to the preservation of waterfowl, fish and wildlife habitats; and (c) may encourage the use of historic buildings, sites and districts listed on or eligible for the state or national registers of historic places.