Northborough Road Chapter 61A land acquisition

Votes

Every time it came up newest first

1. Thu, Jun 18 · Affordable Housing Trust

   Vote to enter executive session for property acquisition

   The chair moved to enter executive session under MGL Chapter 30A, Section 21(a)(6) to discuss a potential real estate acquisition. The chair determined that an open discussion would have a detrimental effect on the town's negotiating position. The board voted by roll call to enter executive session and did not return to open session.

   • Invoked Massachusetts General Law Chapter 30A, Section 21(a)(6) for property acquisition
   • Chair stated open session would compromise the town's negotiating position
   • Trustees had no intention to return to open session
   • Approved unanimously by roll call vote

   Outcome: Approved entering executive session with no return to open session

   Watch from the start · See the whole meeting

2. Wed, Apr 15 · Recreation Commission

   Northborough Road property

   The commission briefly noted that the town has a right of first refusal on a parcel on Northborough Road. The Affordable Housing trust or committee is actively evaluating the site, and the Recreation Commission will monitor the process.

   • The town holds a right of first refusal for the Northborough Road parcel.
   • Affordable Housing is currently reviewing the property for potential use.

   Watch at 1:09:20 · See the whole meeting

3. Tue, Apr 14 · Affordable Housing Trust

   Chapter 61A property acquisition and executive session

   The chair reported consulting with town counsel, who confirmed that discussions of the Chapter 61A property opportunity qualified for executive session regarding potential real property acquisition. Trustee Al Hamilton recused himself from official participation due to a conflict of interest. Following public comment from Hamilton as a private citizen, the board voted to enter executive session under state open meeting law exemption 6.

   • Town counsel confirmed the land opportunity qualifies for executive session under MGL Chapter 30A, Section 21(a)(6).
   • Trustee Al Hamilton recused himself after consulting with the Attorney General's office regarding a conflict of interest.
   • Discussion in open session could have a detrimental effect on the town's negotiating position.
   • The board had no intention to return to open session after executive session.

   Outcome: Voted 4-0 to enter executive session.

   Watch at 3:34 · See the whole meeting

4. Thu, Apr 2 · Conservation Commission

   Chapter 61A Notice of Intent to Sell: Northborough Road

   The commission discussed a Chapter 61A Notice of Intent to Sell Lot 3, an approximately 1.5-acre parcel on the south side of Northborough Road, part of the Johnson property. The conservation agent and members noted that this specific lot has limited conservation value due to its small size and proximity to already-developed frontage, while acknowledging other nearby parcels abutting the aqueduct have higher conservation significance. The commission opted not to recommend that the Select Board exercise the town's right of first refusal.

   • Lot 3 consists of approximately 1.5 acres on the south side of Northborough Road.
   • Remaining portions of the Johnson agricultural land are scheduled to exit Chapter 61A status in July.
   • Commissioners noted neighboring parcels near the aqueduct have far greater resource value than Lot 3.
   • Commission decided not to recommend exercising the town right of first refusal.

   Outcome: No recommendation to exercise right of first refusal; no formal action taken.

   Watch at 9:59 · See the whole meeting

5. Wed, Mar 25 · Board of Trustees of the Affordable Housing Trust

   Northborough Road parcel evaluation

   The board evaluated a 1.47-acre parcel on Northborough Road subject to a Chapter 61A right of first refusal at a price of $216,000. Members debated the parcel's development viability, noting that while the front portion has favorable soils for septic, the rear contains wetlands and requires quick action if the town wants to exercise its option.

   • Parcel size is 1.47 acres on Northborough Road with a fixed purchase price of $216,000.
   • Town must decide whether to exercise its Chapter 61A right of first refusal within a 120-day statutory window.
   • Front half of the parcel appears suitable for on-site septic based on soil maps, while the rear is wetland.
   • A non-profit housing developer advised a board member that small projects of 6 to 9 units struggle with subsidy thresholds, whereas a duplex or partnership with Habitat for Humanity could be viable.
   • Member Al Hamilton offered to check percolation test records with the Board of Health and contact Habitat for Humanity for site review.

   Outcome: Members will investigate site percolation records and developer interest before taking formal action.

   Watch at 59:40 · See the whole meeting