Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Land Conservation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Selectmen endorse conservation commission's plan to buy 10.3-acre Merrimack River parcel
Summary
The board endorsed a conservation commission Purchase & Sale under RSA 36-A to acquire a 10.3-acre riverfront parcel north of the power plant for $100,000; the town appraisal previously valued the site at $167,000 and the commission will complete environmental reviews before closing.
The Bow Conservation Commission asked the selectboard to endorse a Purchase & Sale agreement under RSA 36-A to acquire a 10.3-acre parcel on the Merrimack River north of the town power plant. The board voted to approve the acquisition at the Sept. 23 meeting.
Commission members described the parcel as having about 1,500 feet of river frontage and a mix of forest, field and riparian habitat that state and regional conservation plans rank as high-value for wildlife. The commission noted the property’s orientation and current riparian conditions make it valuable for winter-open water and potentially for raptor habitat; an Audubon biologist advised the parcel could support eagle nesting in future years.
The P&S lists a sale price of $100,000 and requires that the property appraise at or above the contract price; the commission said the town’s earlier appraisal put the value at $167,000. The commission will obtain a Phase I environmental site assessment and, if necessary, a Phase II. The selectboard motion endorsed the commission’s purchase and directed the conservation commission to complete required public hearings and due diligence under RSA 36-A.
Board members asked about public access and operational constraints; the commission said they do not intend heavy development and will seek grant funding to offset transaction costs.
Ending: The board’s endorsement moves the parcel into the conservation commission’s acquisition track pending appraisal and environmental review.
