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Select Board outlines conditions for sale of town‑owned Map 5 Lot 52; conservation commission raises wellhead protection concerns
Summary
The Select Board requested input from the Planning Board and Conservation Commission on a proposed sale of a town‑owned parcel (Map 5 Lot 52); Select Board member Scot Heath said the sale would include deed restrictions prohibiting development and surface alteration and town counsel would review the language. The commission voiced concern that the parcel is in the village wellhead protection area but offered overall support.
A Select Board member told the Francestown Conservation Commission on May 4 that the board is considering selling a town‑owned parcel acquired by tax deed in 1995 (Map 5 Lot 52) and would include conditions to protect water resources.
Scot Heath, representing the Select Board, said an abutter had approached the town about purchasing the property and that the Selectmen would require deed restrictions preventing development and changes to the surface as conditions of sale. Heath said those restrictions would be reviewed by town counsel. Commission Chair Betsy Hardwick noted the parcel lies within the village wellhead protection area and said she had concerns for groundwater protection.
After discussion, commission members said they saw an overall net advantage to the town from the proposed sale and offered their support provided the proposed deed restrictions protect the water resources. The commission emphasized that restrictions should be written to ensure protection of the wellhead area and that counsel review the draft language.
The item will proceed with the Select Board and Planning Board input; no formal vote on the sale was taken at the May 4 meeting.
