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Select Board rescinds March approval to create Real Property Asset Board, asks staff for inventory and options
Summary
After debate about public vs. confidential review of town-owned and prospective properties, the Select Board rescinded its earlier vote to form a Real Property Asset Board and asked staff to compile a consolidated inventory and options for how to proceed.
The Select Board on Tuesday voted to rescind an earlier March vote that had approved a charge and initial slate of members for a proposed Real Property Asset Board. The decision followed concerns that a standing public board tasked with identifying acquisition targets and discussing town property strategy could inadvertently publicize potential purchases and hamper negotiations. Director of Planning and Community Development Kara Bruton told the Select Board that the original charge mixed one-time tasks (policy recommendations, an updated inventory and prioritized lists of properties) with ongoing tasks (regular recommendations on leasing and property use) and some members worried the standing board’s public nature could disrupt sensitive acquisition work. Action taken: Select Board member John VanSchoiak moved to rescind the March workshop vote approving the Real Property Asset Board charge; the motion passed unanimously. The board asked staff to return with a consolidated, up-to-date property and interest inventory (including rights of first refusal and recorded easements), plus recommendations for whether the work should be pursued via a staff working group, consultant, temporary advisory body or a permanent board. Members suggested a future workshop to consider those options and how to protect sensitive acquisition discussions from public disclosure while ensuring appropriate oversight. Why it matters: The town owns and manages many parcels, leases and interests that factor into long-term planning, redevelopment and affordable housing opportunities. Board members said they want clearer, regularly maintained information on those assets and a process that balances transparency with strategic discretion for acquisitions. Next steps: Staff will gather inventories — building on an existing spreadsheet of town parcels and leases — and return with options and recommended governance structures for the board to consider. The board also asked staff to point to contingent interests such as rights of first refusal so Select Board members can be alerted when time-sensitive opportunities arise.
