2009-04-27-CPC-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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that the Town will also conduct a 21E site assessment to protect the Town’s interests. Mr. Adler noted that he had been told that the Busas had had an auto body shop on the property, and stressed the need for proper site assessment. Mr. McSweeney questioned Mr. Valente about the need for community gardens. Ms. Mullins answered this question, stating that there was a great demand for community gardens, and that she was having to turn residents away, or refer them to neighboring towns. Mr. McSweeney also querried Mr. Valente about the affordable housing. Mr. Valente responded that the two lots reserved for community housing had been tentatively set at 15,500 square feet each. Lexhab has shown interest in developing the lots, but has said it would not be interested in renovating the Busa house. Ms. Shaw brought up the issue of the appraisal on the property, and asked if a survey of the land had been completed. A survey had not been done of the property, Mr. Valente responded, explaining that a concept plan had been completed, which showed 14 possible house lots. This plan had been reviewed by the Town’s planning department. Karen Mullins added here that a previous appraisal had determined that 15 lots were possible. Ms. Shaw was still concerned about the disparity in various previous appraisals and wanted assurance that the Town would not overpay for the land. Mr. Cohen stated here that the reason the Busas were considering the sale at this point, was not due to a higher offer, but that the family members were finally able to come to some agreement – something which had stalled negotiations in past years. CPC members wanted assurance that the Committee would not be asked to appropriate monies for or approve a sale price at a higher cost than the appraised value. There was concern on the Committee and from Mr. Kanter that the appraisal had not been released. Mr. Valente responded that the appraisal had not been made public, since the Town might wish to negotiate a price that was lower than the appraisal. Mr. McSweeney asked Mr. Valente if the neighborhood had any reaction to the Town’s proposal for the land, to which Mr. Valente responded that they had not yet been involved. He said the Selectmen would be holding a pubic hearing on the th 30 to which the neighborhood had been invited. He stated that the timeline for the acquisition was to bring the purchase to Special Town Meeting, most likely on ththth May 6, and he asked the CPC to hold out the 5, (and possibly the 7), as dates for information sessions and to conduct final votes. The CPC took a straw vote on the proposed project to purchase the Busa land for the possible purposes of recreation, community housing and open space. The straw vote was 8-0 in favor. 2.Paying for the Busa property – cash, bonding, or a combination of both - Mr. Addelson discussed this issue with the Committee, and handed out a chart which 2