Newbury voters approve Tucker Mountain land package after heated debate

Newbury voters on March 3 approved Article 5, a three-part measure to accept a gift of land on Tucker Mountain, permit the Selectboard to grant a conservation easement on that Receiving Property to enable release of an existing Land and Water Conservation Fund easement on the Ski Tow property, and authorize the Selectboard to sell the Ski Tow property after the easement is released.

The measure drew extended public comment. Cindy Clemence urged voters to retain the Ski Tow parcel for wildlife and neighborhood character, saying, "they're not making land anymore." Supporters, including Friends of Tucker Mountain co-chairs Carolyn Marsh and Jeff Goodell, said the Receiving Property lies in the State's highest priority conservation designation and that the transaction could add acreage to the Tucker Mountain Town Forest while generating tax revenue without requesting Town funds. Michael Thomas called the proposal a "golden opportunity" to leverage under-used land.

Questions raised during debate included whether a small portion could be subdivided for housing and whether changing the recreation-oriented easement on the Ski Tow parcel could create future legal difficulties. Marvin Harrison asked about subdividing five acres; Selectboard Chair Susan Culp said subdivision would be possible after easement release but noted the article as written authorizes the Selectboard to sell the Ski Tow property without requiring that they do so. A proposal to amend the article to add the phrase "with input from the Town" was ruled out of order by the Moderator.

Richard Roderick called the question; the assembly agreed with a standing vote of 62 in favor and 30 against, exceeding the two-thirds threshold. After a second reading and a motion to pass, the article was approved by voice vote.