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Merrimack council approves purchase-and-sale for ~68-acre Twin Bridge parcel; will place purchase on warrant
Summary
The council approved a purchase-and-sale agreement Dec. 18 to pursue acquisition of about 68 acres off Twin Bridge Road for $1.9 million, with the purchase to be presented as a warrant article requiring voter approval and a 60% bond threshold.
The Merrimack Town Council voted unanimously Dec. 18 to approve a purchase-and-sale agreement for two tax-map parcels totaling roughly 68 acres off Twin Bridge Road, and directed the town manager to sign the documents. The $1.9 million purchase would require bonding and a 60% voter approval at a future warrant vote.
Town Manager Paul Sharp said the parcel offers options for a future public safety complex, athletic fields and other municipal uses and noted the council has pursued multiple land options before bringing this agreement forward. "This is one of the last big pieces of land in this area," he said, adding the property has rail access, highway access and a 10-year water lease that make it attractive for certain commercial or municipal uses.
Councilor Tom moved to approve the purchase-and-sale and the motion passed 7-0-0. Councilors said they plan extensive public outreach, additional deliberations on debt and bonding in January, and that the purchase would later be presented as a warrant article for voters. Council members emphasized the desire to prevent large-scale private housing development at the site and noted the need to secure public backing before final purchase and bond authorization.
Next steps: Manager to bring debt and warrant language to subsequent meetings in January; public information sessions expected before deliberative and ballot votes.
