Council gives first reading to $750,000 land-bond support for 46-acre Salamander Forest Preserve

The council on July 15 approved on first reading a proposed contribution of up to $750,000 from the town’s land-acquisition bond to help the Scarborough Land Trust purchase a 46-acre parcel known as the Salamander Forest Preserve at 255 Payne Road.

Steve Zamorowski, chair of the Parks and Conservation Land Board, said the total purchase price is $1.25 million, with the sellers providing a $395,000 discount. Scarborough Land Trust is pursuing a federal grant for $380,000 that would reimburse the land-bond amount if awarded. "The property contains a tributary of the Mill Brook, forested wetlands and vernal pools and overlays a mapped sand-and-gravel aquifer," Zamorowski said, outlining ecological and climate-resilience benefits.

Board members and councilors emphasized the parcel’s proximity to dense housing (Gateway apartments) and its potential to increase passive-recreation access for nearby residents. The town’s proposed contribution would be a bridge pending grant reimbursements; the land board said the town’s running land-bond balance would remain sufficient even if federal reimbursements are delayed.

The council voted unanimously on first reading to authorize staff to advance the transaction and to have the town manager execute documents necessary to protect the town’s interest, with a final approval step to follow as closing and grant timing are confirmed.

What’s next: the item will return for subsequent council action as required by the closing timeline and grant outcomes; staff and the land trust will coordinate closing steps and public access planning.