The land in question, appraised at $82,000, is on the western side of Wendell Road. The committee noted that CPA funds might need to be adjusted to cover associated costs such as closing fees and the establishment of a conservation restriction, which Kestrel would manage. A member raised questions about the parcel’s frontage on Locks Pond Road, seeking clarification on its compliance with zoning requirements. While exact figures were not immediately available, the appraisal deemed the land potentially developable.

One intriguing element of the acquisition is the proposed incorporation of a Habitat for Humanity house, suggesting a multi-faceted use for the land, blending open space with housing initiatives. This proposal underscores the committee’s vision of maximizing the land’s utility while adhering to conservation principles.

Negotiations with the current landowners have faced delays due to probate issues, though optimism was expressed about resuming talks in the new year. The hope is that the family will endorse the sale, allowing the acquisition process to proceed. The committee was reminded that the conservation restriction would need to be established post-acquisition.

The discussion also broached the potential to treat the two parcels—totaling 205 acres—separately in the acquisition process. Although they are currently considered as a single entity, the committee acknowledged the possibility of dividing them if necessary. Concerns were raised about meeting the CPA application deadline, but the committee expressed confidence in aligning their plans accordingly.

Due diligence on the 9-acre parcel has been thorough, including title searches and environmental assessments, affirming its eligibility under CPA’s community housing, open space, and recreation categories. Following a member’s motion to approve its eligibility, the committee completed the voting process, despite some technical interruptions, confirming unanimous support.

Another noteworthy discussion revolved around determining eligibility for various projects. The committee reviewed a proposal for a regional affordable housing coordinator in partnership with neighboring towns Shelburne and Leverett, utilizing Furcog for hiring. Clarification was provided on which activities would be fundable under CPA statutes, particularly concerning “supplanting” existing municipal funds. The proposal received unanimous support.

The committee also examined a request from the Elliot Park Committee for repairs and restoration efforts. The debate focused on whether these activities qualified as maintenance or rehabilitation, ultimately concluding that the gazebo restoration aligned with preservation efforts. Approval was again unanimous.

Further deliberations involved the South Brook Conservation Area Expansion proposal from the Conservation Commission. The committee acknowledged the need for additional clarity before advancing the project proposal.

In addressing unanticipated business, the committee discussed upcoming application deadlines. They confirmed that applications are due by February 9th, with an expectation for submissions related to the spear building committee, though none had been received yet. Talk of reallocating CPA funds for emergency dam repairs suggested potential impacts on future applications, though it was clarified that even without prior eligibility determinations, applicants could proceed if their projects aligned with CPA criteria.