2008-11-13-CPC-min (7PM) - Laserfiche WebLink

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Parcel 73-8 is 10.7 acres and includes wetlands, woodlands and a limited open area on an NSTAR power easement. Kiln Brook crosses the southeastern corner of the parcel, and Dick noted that Kiln Brook is tributary to the Shawsheen River and Bedford’s water supply. The parcel abuts the Town’s Composting Facility and Katahdin Woods, and is situated between the Minuteman Bikeway and the Battle Road Trail. He added that it is a key parcel for the West Lexington Greenway. The second parcel, 73-6A, approximately 9.5 acres, is located on the eastern side of Rt. 128 and is primarily wetlands and woodland. It is situated between the Meagherville Conservation area and Pine Meadows golf course. The wetlands on this parcel, Mr. Wolk noted, serve as headwaters for Kiln Brook, and therefore are important to the Shawsheen River and Bedford’s water supply. The parcel has value for wildlife, and potentially for recreation. Mr. Wolk explained that the 2008 assessed value for the two parcels together is $130,000, and that the present appraisal is $140,000. He said this discrepancy in values is customary, and well within a 10% acceptable range. A year ago, he noted, the appraisal for the two properties came in at $165,000. He said comparables were hard to find for the appraisals, so they were considered as roughly 20 acres of undeveloped land. He said he felt the land was important for the Town to acquire for its conservation and recreation values, as well as its value in protecting the land adjacent to Rt. 128. He said the present appraisal put the cost per acre at $7,000, which he felt was very reasonable. Mr. Wolk explained that the survey costs for the parcels totaled $29, 583, which he admitted seemed high. He said the Conservation Commission had been advised by Town Counsel to conduct a survey, despite the fact that the lots are adjacent to extensive sections of Town-owned land. He explained that if adjacent private land, or Town-owned land (such as the golf course), was ultimately sold, the survey could be very important. With appraisal costs of $4,600 and legal fees of $11,891, the associated costs for the acquisition total $46,074. This brings the total cost of the request before the CPC to $186,100. Wendy Manz, CPC member and a representative of the Planning Board, reported that her Board had questioned whether a Conservation Restriction would be placed on the properties. Marilyn ( ?) responded that a CR is required by State statute for any land purchased with CPC funds. Wendy questioned whether the acquisition could be purchased for recreation, which might give more flexibility in the future. Frank Sandy ( yes) questioned the need for the survey work, given the fact that most of the adjacent land was Town-owned. Joyce Miller, Chairwoman of the Conservation Commission, questioned whether the Conservation Restriction would be acceptable to the state without a survey. Mr. McSweeney had to leave the Public Hearing to go to another meeting and the Committee decided to vote the project while he was still in attendance, since most 2