The Northampton Conservation Commission on June 26 authorized staff to submit a state land-grant application for acquisition of roughly 72 acres in the Southern Mineral Hills (Andre Lane / Loudville area), adjacent to existing Ridge Conservation Area holdings. The commission voted unanimously to proceed with the land-grant application and to pursue Community Preservation Act funds and private donations to close a remaining funding gap.

Staff reported the parcel is owned by the descendants of Sam Crocioni and consists of three parcels that abut the Ridge Conservation Area and a nearby permanently protected subdivision (Kensington Estates). Sarah, the conservation staff member, described exposed ledge, uncommon habitat types for Northampton, and attractive views of the Holyoke Range from the property. The agreed purchase price is $600,000. Staff explained that a state land-grant program typically covers a portion of acquisition-related soft costs and that Community Preservation Act (CPA) funds will be sought in the fall FY26 round; the land grant can cover up to a portion of costs but will not cover the entire purchase price.

Commissioners voted to authorize submission of the land-grant application and to proceed with preparing CPA and donation requests; staff noted the city’s CPA allocations for FY25 are already committed and that new CPA funds become available in the FY26 cycle beginning July 1. The commission asked staff to pursue appraisals, Phase I environmental review, survey work and fundraising to assemble the full acquisition package and indicated a desire to close quickly if grant funding is awarded.

The motion to authorize the land-grant submission passed by roll call; staff will follow up on appraisals and other due diligence work and coordinate Community Preservation and donor outreach.