Select Board accepts Walker family deed, clears closing on 34.5‑acre conservation parcel

The Westborough Select Board voted to accept a deed and authorize closing on a 34.5‑acre parcel on Bowman Street the board purchased from the trustees of the Walker Family Westborough Real Estate Trust for $115,000, a transaction the board said was approved by town meeting in 2024 and funded by a Land and Water Conservation Fund grant and private sources.

Conservation staff told the board the conservation commission previously approved the acceptance and that remaining closing steps include final survey work and documentation needed to secure reimbursement under the federal grant. The conservation director said the town had completed limited removal and environmental checks to prepare the property for transfer.

During discussion the board addressed a procedural question about signatures after the chair recused because of a family relationship to the sellers; staff said the document includes signature lines for all members and that the town will notarize signatures ahead of the closing next Tuesday. The motion to accept the deed was moved, seconded and approved on a roll‑call vote recorded by the clerk; the board recorded the outcome as approved unanimously by members present.

If the town proceeds to closing, custody and control of the property will vest with the conservation commission under state law and the parcel will be managed for conservation and passive recreation. Staff said the board will receive any remaining closing paperwork for final signature and that grant closeout requirements will follow the deed acceptance.

The Select Board carried the vote at the meeting and will proceed with the closing and grant documentation.