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Belgrade accepts 75-acre land gift with an intention to keep public access
Summary
Voters authorized the select board to accept a 75‑acre gift at the Nolles Road/Route 135 corner, and approved an amendment recording the town's 'intention to keep the property open to the public.' Officials said acceptance would be subject to routine documentation and fall under town insurance.
Belgrade town meeting approved an article authorizing the select board to accept a donated 75‑acre parcel near the Nolles/Nolles Road–Route 135 corner and to execute related documents. Voters also approved an amendment that formally records the town’s ‘‘intention to keep the property open to the public.’’
Select board members said the gift is intended to preserve public water access and small‑boat launching points used by the community for decades. Town staff said legal acceptance would require standard closing documents and that the property would be added to the town’s insurance coverage if accepted. Officials suggested parks and recreation or facilities staff would manage the parcel and ensure public access and maintenance.
The amended article passed on the floor after a brief discussion about signage, liability and who would administer the property. ‘‘That was the intention of accepting the gift,’’ a select board member said, describing public access as the board’s motivation for seeking authorization to accept the land.
The select board will handle closing logistics if the donor completes conveyance paperwork and may return to the voters if specific management or funding decisions are needed.
