The most discussion revolved around a 34-acre property that might interest the Massachusetts Fish and Wildlife agency. The committee debated whether the agency had expressed a desire to acquire the property, which could have implications for conservation efforts and town revenue. This particular parcel’s status is under scrutiny, as the outcome of the debate could lead to a significant transfer of land to a state agency and potentially affect the local ecosystem and recreational opportunities for Townsend residents.

In addition to the 34-acre parcel, the committee also focused on a property on Main Street and a water department building potential sale. The sale of these properties would not only affect the town’s finances through the generation of proceeds but also potentially impact the local community through changes in property use and ownership.

The meeting also covered the status of tax takings and various parcels’ assessment values. The members discussed the feasibility of pursuing legal action to foreclose on properties with significant tax debt and the potential value of landlocked parcels.

Another area of contention involved parcels that may hold conservation value, with the committee members debating whether they should be transferred to the conservation board. The status of taxes owed on these parcels, including the amount owed and any actions taken to collect these taxes, was a critical concern. There was mention of sending letters to trustees and heirs to clarify their intentions regarding certain properties and the possibility of offering parcels to neighboring property owners to enhance future value.

One specific case discussed was a low-value parcel on Babber Hill Road, where the owner has no interest in redeeming the property, which might result in a neighbor’s garage remaining on the land. The committee considered sending a letter to the owner requesting them to sign off on the property, thereby transferring it to the town. This situation involves intricate tax implications and legal considerations that the committee is addressing.

There was also mention of a low-value property on Warren Road with outstanding payments. The committee planned to follow up with the law firm to demand the payment of the remaining balance and to obtain updated figures.

As the meeting concluded, the committee scheduled the next meeting for the following month.