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Northborough open-space panel votes to pursue conservation outreach for 18-acre parcel
Summary
The Town of Northborough Open Space Committee voted to contact the realtor for a property identified in its records as “Line 50,” seek updated appraisal information and ask the Conservation Commission for permission to use conservation-fund money to pay for the appraisal, moving preliminary steps toward potential acquisition.
The Town of Northborough Open Space Committee voted June 29 to pursue outreach and preliminary appraisal work for an 18-acre parcel identified in its records as “Line 50,” a parcel that borders Edmond Hill Woods.
The committee approved a motion to contact the listing realtor to gauge the landowner’s interest in conserving the back acreage, to share the town’s prior plan for the parcel, and — if the owner signals willingness — to commission an updated appraisal and request Conservation Commission approval to use conservation-fund money to pay for that appraisal.
Why it matters: committee members said Line 50 connects directly to existing conserved land and would expand trail and habitat connectivity if conserved. Brian (vice chairman) described the property as “absolutely key” for linking to larger green-space parcels and said trails once existed on the parcel. Committee members noted a prior 2017 appraisal of the property that covered a proposed 16-acre sale to the town; that appraisal and earlier plan will be used as a starting point but the committee agreed a new appraisal is required.
During discussion, members emphasized next steps rather than a purchase commitment. Chair John Campbell summarized the three-part approach the committee voted to pursue: (1) contact the realtor for feedback, (2) if feedback is positive, revive the town’s prior proposed plan and commission an updated appraisal, and (3) request that the Conservation Commission approve use of conservation-fund money to pay for the appraisal.
Committee members discussed timeline and logistics: John Johnson agreed to assemble GIS maps and any prior appraisal materials and to attend the Conservation Commission meeting to present the request. The committee discussed an estimated appraisal fee in ‘‘round numbers’’ — about $4,000–$6,000 — and noted the conservation fund balance used to pay such expenses has been supported in the past by Community Preservation Act warrant articles.
The motion passed by roll call vote; the chair recorded the result as four votes in favor and one abstention. The committee’s next practical step is that John Johnson will contact the realtor and, if the realtor reports owner interest, prepare materials for the Conservation Commission so the group can request permission to use fund money for an appraisal.
