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Committee recommends accepting donated Oak Street parcel and a sidewalk easement tied to new development
Summary
The committee recommended Town Meeting accept a donated parcel at 190–212 Oak Street as open space (a 'sending parcel' associated with a higher‑density nearby development) and authorized the select board to accept a sidewalk easement at 2 Bridal Lane required under the site's planning approval.
The Advisory Finance Committee recommended that Town Meeting approve Article 25 to accept a donated parcel at 190–212 Oak Street and also recommended authorization for the select board to accept a sidewalk easement related to the new Boston Lawnmower site at 2 Bridal Lane.
Planning Director Jenny Gingress said the parcel was offered as part of a sending‑parcel exchange tied to a higher‑density Village Commons development; the planning board requested donation of the parcel for town open space rather than its development. Gingress said the deed will require town acceptance at Town Meeting before the developer proceeds.
On the sidewalk easement, Gingress said the site‑plan approval required the owner to provide an easement for a future sidewalk on Oak Street; the committee voted to recommend the select board be authorized to accept that easement at Town Meeting.
Committee members asked whether the gift created future maintenance obligations or litigation exposure; Gingress said there were no anticipated ongoing liabilities and the planning board intends to retain it as open space or low‑impact recreation.
