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Select Board authorizes execution of LWCF grant to acquire 0 Bowman Street (Ellis Walker property)
Summary
Select Board authorized the chair to execute Land and Water Conservation Fund contract documents for acquisition of ~35 acres at 0 Bowman Street (Ellis Walker property). The grant covers 50% of the purchase; Sudbury Valley Trustees and Walkup Robinson Trust will provide the remaining funding, and the town’s net cost was reported as $0.
The Westborough Select Board authorized the chair to execute grant contract documents necessary to accept a Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) award for acquisition of about 35 acres at 0 Bowman Street, referred to in the meeting as the Ellis Walker property.
Town staff explained the parcel’s proximity to the Bowman Conservation Area and noted the town was selected for state and federal LWCF funding; the grant will cover 50% of acquisition costs. Partner organizations — Sudbury Valley Trustees and the Walkup Robinson Trust — will supply the remaining funds, including $200,000 from Sudbury Valley Trustees and a stewardship commitment from Walkup Robinson Trust. Town staff stated the town’s net acquisition cost would be $0.
A motion was made under Article 20 of the town’s annual meeting to authorize the chair to execute all documents to effectuate receipt of the LWCF grant for 0 Bowman Street; the motion was seconded and approved. One board member disclosed a family relationship to the property before voting.
Staff said signing the grant contract will allow the town to proceed with deed issuance, conservation restriction recording with Sudbury Valley Trustees as the CR holder, and subsequent site stewardship and trail work. Staff estimated an opening to the public in mid‑ to late spring after legal documents and initial stewardship are completed.
The board approved the authorization to execute the grant documents and closed the item.
