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Select Board begins Chapter 61A process after notice on 665 Scenic Highway; $600,000 purchase price cited
Summary
Town Counsel informed the Select Board that a Chapter 61A notice for a parcel at 665 Scenic Highway includes a purchase and sale agreement showing a $600,000 price and triggers a 120‑day right‑of‑first‑refusal window; the board asked staff to notify municipal boards and committees and requested responses by the June 30 meeting.
Town Counsel advised the Select Board on June 9 that the town received a Chapter 61A notice dated May 26, 2026 for a parcel at 665 Scenic Highway. The notice, which included a purchase and sale agreement, triggers the town’s right of first refusal under Chapter 61A of the Massachusetts General Laws.
Counsel explained critical statutory deadlines: a 30‑day technical notice period to identify any statutory defects in the notice and a 120‑day period — counted from the postmark date — for the town to decide whether to exercise its right of first refusal or decline. Counsel calculated the 120‑day deadline as Sept. 23, 2026. He said the purchase price shown in the materials is $600,000 and that if the town chooses to purchase it would step into the buyer’s contract and have 90 days to close, subject to appropriations and town meeting authorization for funding.
The board directed staff to notify the conservation commission, planning board, assessor, state forester and other interested departments and committees and to request their input by the June 30 meeting so the Select Board can determine whether it wishes to pursue purchase, take no action, or consider assignment of the town’s rights.
Next steps: staff will circulate notices to the statutorily required municipal bodies, set a public hearing as appropriate, and return to the Select Board with any department feedback and a recommendation before the 120‑day deadline.
