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Select Board and Lancaster Fair discuss PILOT tied to driving range; board requests list of improvements
Summary
Town Manager Jessica Cyr met with Lancaster Fair representatives to discuss a possible PILOT payment tied to a new driving range; fair leaders proposed a share of profits rather than a fixed tax, and the board asked to see a list of improvements and reinvestment in the fairgrounds. A historical stipulation requiring reversion to the town if the fair ceases was referenced.
Town Manager Jessica Cyr told the Select Board she met with Lancaster Fair representatives Julie Aldrich and Amy Landry about a possible PILOT (payment in lieu of taxes) arrangement if a driving range on fair property comes online. Aldrich and Landry suggested a percentage-of-profits PILOT and said they were concerned about being taxed "out of existence." Cyr said she reassured them that taxing them out of existence was not the town's intent.
Select Board member Shane Beattie provided historical context, saying a past PILOT included a stipulation that if the fair ceased to exist the property would revert to the town and that any town-owned fairgrounds would be restricted to recreational uses on one side of the street with the other side potentially sold. Cyr said the fair representatives did not have a copy of that stipulation in their records; the board wants to see documentation of improvements the fair is making to demonstrate reinvestment in the fairgrounds.
The minutes do not record any agreement terms, payment amounts, or a formal action; staff will continue negotiations and review recorded stipulations and improvement lists.
