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Residents urge Select Board to exercise right of first refusal on 46 Taylor Road
Summary
At a continued hearing under G.L. c.61B, multiple residents urged the Select Board to exercise the town's right of first refusal to allow voters to decide whether to buy and protect a parcel near the Acton Arboretum; the board continued the hearing to April 6, 2026.
At a continued public hearing on March 16, several residents urged the Acton Select Board to exercise the town’s right of first refusal under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 61B for property at 46 Taylor Road so the question can go before Town Meeting and voters.
Bettina Abe (School Street) told the board: "I implore you to vote to exercise our right as a town of first refusal on this piece of property... Allow us to bring this to town meeting so our fellow citizens can have the chance to vote whether or not they want to buy and protect this last piece of open space for the Acton Arboretum." Renee (26 Taylor) and other neighbors echoed the call, emphasizing habitat, educational opportunities and volunteer stewardship.
Tom Wolf proposed a potential compromise—purchasing and subdividing the parcel so the town could conserve the back portion while selling a frontage parcel to help finance the purchase—but the manager cautioned that certain funding sources (such as CPC funds) may not allow later subdivision and sale without constraints.
The board acknowledged strong public interest but said it was not prepared to vote; the hearing was continued to April 6, 2026 at 7:30 p.m. for further consideration and follow-up on financing and legal constraints.
