Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Land And Conservation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Select Board discusses accepting 18-acre gift tied to release of 50‑foot right‑of‑way
Summary
Staff described a developer offer to convey 18 acres to the town to add to the Perkins Town Wildlife Commons in exchange for releasing a 50‑foot right‑of‑way; board directed staff to prepare ballot language, seek attorney review, and schedule a public hearing for June town meeting.
Town staff presented a proposed conveyance and related access arrangement for conservation land at the Jan. 20 Select Board meeting.
Under the developer’s proposal, the town would receive 18 acres of fee interest adjacent to the Perkins Town Wildlife Commons. In exchange the town would release a 50‑foot right‑of‑way that currently provides the town’s only access from Quarry Road to the existing conservation parcel. Staff said the subdivision approval had required 30 acres of open space but that the developer currently holds the fee interest; conveying the 18‑acre parcel to the town would provide direct road frontage and opportunities for trail access and limited parking.
Staff emphasized that releasing the 50‑foot right‑of‑way would require a town‑meeting ballot question and town‑attorney review, and that Great Works Land Trust — which holds a conservation easement on the Wildlife Commons — would have to consent because the easement guarantees access. A staff member described possible solutions, including granting Great Works a compensating legal access easement across the town parcel so their access rights remain protected.
Board members raised wetlands considerations for trail siting and emphasized the need for professional trail planning. The board did not take a final vote but directed staff to draft ballot language, obtain town‑attorney review, and schedule a public hearing with the aim of placing the question on the June town meeting ballot.
