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Town narrowly approves bylaw change to allow 30-year land leases with Select Board approval
Summary
An amendment to Concord's general bylaw permitting the town manager (with Select Board approval) to execute up to 30-year land leases passed after heated debate about Town Meeting oversight, property restrictions and long-term governance. Town Counsel noted deed and Article 97 limits can still constrain leases.
Deputy Town Manager Megan Zamudo presented Article 26, proposing to amend the general bylaw to permit the town manager, with Select Board approval, to enter into land leases up to 30 years (the current bylaw limits land leases to 10 years). Zamudo said the change is intended to allow the town to negotiate long-term arrangements for complex projects such as a proposed cell tower at the landfill and to align land-leasing authority with the existing municipal-building bylaw that already permits 30-year leases.
Town Counsel Mina McCarius clarified limits: leases of parkland or Article 97-protected land may still require Town Meeting approval; whether a lease is allowable depends on how the land was acquired and its recorded restrictions. Opponents argued the amendment would shift long-term control of public land from Town Meeting to a small executive body and urged more study; proponents pointed to opportunities for long-term partnerships (for example, for community farming, Gaining Ground-type leases, or solar/battery projects).
After extensive floor debate, including concerns about future boards and property-specific restrictions, the article passed by a very narrow margin (transcript reports a close result). Supporters said the amendment would enable the town to pursue time-sensitive investments; opponents urged safeguards and a fuller public-policy process.
