Board approves $380,000 appropriation to buy 6 acres adjacent to Hoppers Preserve after public plea

Following several public comments urging protection of the Hoppers Preserve, the Board of Finance voted to appropriate $380,000 from the land capital reserve fund to purchase a six‑acre parcel adjacent to the preserve.

Michelle Rudy, introduced by the chair, told the board the parcel contains key hiking trails and Carter Spring, and that a roughly 10‑acre pitch‑pine habitat nearby is an imperiled ecosystem in New England. "If this development were to happen, the endangered pitch pine habitat would be in serious trouble due to light and sound pollution and invasive species pressure," she said, and noted a petition with about 800 signatures and local social‑media support.

Other public commenters supported preserving the land for recreation and ecological protection. Jerry Albino described the social and recreational value of keeping the Jiffany Golf Course/open space available to schools, leagues and community events; Randy Roberge warned that large residential development would significantly increase traffic for nearby streets.

A board member moved an additional appropriation of $380,000 within the capital projects fund to purchase the six‑acre parcel and to recommend approval to the joint meeting of the City Council and Board of Finance. The motion was seconded and approved by voice vote.

The appropriation comes from the city’s land capital reserve fund; the board voted to forward the recommendation to the joint meeting with the city council for final action.