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Trustees ask selectmen for guidance on possible sale of 52-acre Clough Morrill parcel
Summary
Trustees of the Clough Morrill fund told the selectmen they are considering selling a 52-acre parcel; legal counsel is reviewing whether town vote or court authority is required and selectmen asked trustees to await formal guidance before proceeding.
Tom Diveny, chairman of the Trustees of the Trust Funds, told the Board of Selectmen on Nov. 12 that trustees are exploring selling a 52-acre parcel that is part of the Clough Morrill estate and asked for guidance from the selectmen.
Diveny said trustees can manage trust assets but are uncertain about the legal path to sell town-owned land that may—according to town GIS—have been labeled "town forest" without a warrant-article declaration. He said prior sales had required court review and that legal counsel is determining whether a warrant article, town vote or court order would be necessary. "We do have the authority to sell, but it's still town property and we'd like your input and guidance," Diveny said.
Selectmen stressed that public hearings and formal notice to abutters would be required if trustees proceed and asked trustees to return once counsel provides a specific process and timeline. The board did not take any formal action that night beyond asking staff and trustees to keep the selectmen informed and to defer any sale until legal vetting is complete.
What happens next: Town legal counsel will provide a written path forward; trustees expect to return with recommendations. The board noted potential development pressure on the upland portions of the parcel and emphasized carefully preserving public notice and abutter notification requirements.
