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Council refers proposed Burrill Land Conservancy to ordinance subcommittee for study
Summary
Councilors voted to refer a proposal to explore forming a municipal public land conservancy to the ordinance subcommittee. Proponents said a public land trust could expand funding opportunities beyond the existing private land trust; staff said state enabling legislation and solicitor review will guide the subcommittee.
Council refers proposal to ordinance subcommittee
The Burrillville Town Council on April 9 voted to refer a proposal to explore creation of a Burrill Land Conservancy — a public land trust — to the ordinance subcommittee for study.
Why it matters: Proponents said a public land trust could access different funding streams than the town's existing private land trust and expand preservation options for town‑owned and conserved parcels.
Councilor Stephen N. Rawson presented the idea and said the proposal would use the state’s enabling legislation to establish a municipal public land trust. Rawson said, "I think it's time that we look at that," adding that Gloucester and other towns have successful public land trusts and that a public entity might be eligible for additional fees and town‑provided funding.
Town Manager Michael C. Wood said a public land trust had been an option in the past and that a private land trust had formed instead. Wood said the administration would support the subcommittee's work and provide legal and structural guidance. Councilors said the solicitor and examples from other towns would be consulted.
Action taken: A motion by Mr. Houle, seconded by Mr. Baton, to refer the proposal to the ordinance subcommittee for the purpose of determining whether to establish a Burrill Land Conservancy passed by voice vote.
Next steps: The ordinance subcommittee will consult town legal counsel, review the state enabling legislation, and prepare a proposal that outlines structure, funding options and interactions with the existing private land trust for full council consideration.
