Acton residents urge purchase of 46 Taylor Road to expand Arboretum; board pauses for more study

The Acton Select Board held a public hearing on Feb. 11 to consider exercising the town's right of first refusal on 46 Taylor Road, a 5.8-acre parcel adjacent to the Acton Arboretum offered at $1,400,000. Dozens of residents urged the board to buy the land to preserve habitat, improve accessibility and protect the town's long-valued green space.

"Purchasing 46 Taylor would add tremendous value to the Arboretum for our town and for generations to come," said Renee (26 Taylor Road), who submitted children's drawings to the board and urged preservation of the parcel's natural habitat. Phoebe Conant, president of the Friends of the Acton Arboretum, said the volunteer group has long supported acquiring the lot and offered to raise awareness and funds for the effort.

Conservation staff and open-space advocates described the property as roughly 5.8 acres with wetlands and no existing structures. "It has a lot of wetlands," said Bettina Abe of the conservation division, who recommended limiting any additional parking to a small ADA-accessible spot and connecting an accessible trail to the Arboretum's wildflower loop. Several residents described frequent wildlife sightings, the parcel's pine grove and an active stream.

Speakers raised practical questions about cost and timing. "The main downside to purchasing, to me, it seems just how can we justify the cost," said Lauren Feld, a new resident at 46 Taylor Road. Scott Sullivan, acting chair of the finance committee, asked the board to present scenarios for what might happen if the town does not acquire the parcel so the public can judge trade-offs.

A resident asked whether the Community Preservation Committee (CPC) open-space set-aside would cover the purchase or whether bonding or a separate appropriation would be necessary. The board said the CPC open-space funds would likely be a primary source but noted legal limits comparing CPC allocations to appraised value and said bonding or future CPC commitments are possible.

The board began the meeting with an executive session under "Purpose 6" to discuss the purchase, exchange, lease or value of real property. The motion to enter executive session was moved and seconded and approved by roll call. After hearing public comment, the Select Board voted to continue the public hearing to March 2 at 7:00 p.m. to allow staff and the board to resolve technical and funding questions before a potential town-meeting appropriation. The chair reminded attendees that a town-meeting purchase would require a two-thirds vote.

The Select Board said it will revisit the item at its March 2 meeting, work through statutory timelines and provide more information on funding options, wetlands constraints and possible uses. The hearing was continued and the meeting adjourned.