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Selectboard outlines sealed-bid sale, tax impact for old ski tow parcel in Article 5
Summary
Supporters and residents discussed Article 5 — adding town forest land, transferring a recreation easement, and selling the old ski tow parcel — and the Selectboard said the ski tow parcel would be sold by sealed competitive bid and that the sale is contingent on other parts of the article passing.
Selectboard Chair Susan Culp said that the proposed sale of the town's old ski tow parcel would be handled by sealed competitive bid and that the town typically accepts the highest offer. "in accordance with Town policy for sales of property, the ski tow parcel would be sold by sealed competitive bid. Generally, the Town accepts the highest bid. No stipulations are attached," she said.
Resident Michael Thomas voiced support for Article 5 but asked how the sale would be handled, whether stipulations would be attached, and which zoning district covers the property. Chair Culp said the parcel is in the West Newbury hamlet, a 2-acre residential zone, and Planning Commission member Tony O’Meara added that if Newbury opts into the State's Tier 1B designation that would apply.
On questions about fiscal impact, Culp said "the Bailey property now brings in about $950 in municipal tax revenue, and the ski tow land brings in $584" and estimated that if a single-family dwelling is built the parcel could generate roughly $1,400–1,600 in taxes. Bob Farrell, participating by Zoom, asked whether the sale is contingent on passage of the other two components of Article 5; Culp confirmed it is.
The board fielded additional questions about the ski tow property's easement history and development constraints. Culp said the 24-acre parcel contains probable wetlands and that development without the easement might be limited to approximately three residences. She said details about the bidding window and submission deadline will be posted on the town website and published in the Journal Opinion, with sealed bids submitted to the Town Office and opened at a duly noticed Selectboard meeting.
