Vincent Lawrence Dixon, a Winchester resident, told the Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies that S.303 would give communities more tools to preserve locally valuable institutions when owners cease operations or abandon property.

“This proposed legislation recognizes these unique and wonderful realities and provides some dynamics of communities,” Dixon said, arguing the bill would offer “a caution light that is community friendly” without preventing ordinary transfers of property.

Dixon described situations where churches, historic schools, small downtown businesses and other local institutions become vacant or stalled after a controlling organization decides to close or walk away. He said the bill would establish definitions for “community institution landmarks,” formalize a right of first refusal for local groups in some cases, and permit appointment of a “special community trustee” to shepherd reuse or preservation while preserving constitutional property protections.

Dixon told the committee the proposal is “not an eminent domain taking,” and he described the bill as “carefully designed to be flexible and responsive to local communities and local government officials.” He urged the committee to give S.303 a favorable recommendation.

Committee members asked Dixon for examples and process detail. He cited churches and downtown commercial properties as typical cases where local leaders have wanted to preserve ongoing activity but been blocked by a controlling owner. Dixon said additional rulemaking and public‑process protections would be needed to implement the trustee mechanism, and he offered to work with the committee on drafting.

No formal committee action was taken on S.303 at the hearing; staff accepted written testimony for the public record.