We all enjoy the peace of mind that comes from seeing the large open fields on the north side of Route 2 as you enter Acton from Concord. It serves as a magnificent gateway to Acton and is the first open vista on Route 2. We have succeeded in preserving much of this land, but there remains one critical parcel at 19 and 35 Wetherbee Street that is privately owned. This is a beautiful and historic parcel with majestic trees forming the backdrop to the open fields. The owners of this land, longtime Acton residents, are interested in seeing it preserved and have offered it to the Town at a considerable discount. Thanks to the patient efforts of both the sellers and Town officials, an agreement has been reached to purchase this ~33 acre property for $3.68 million, which is well below the market value.
At the Special Town Meeting on November 25, Article 1 will propose to purchase this land using a combination of Community Preservation Act funds, a $500,000 LAND grant from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and a donation of $100,000 from the Acton Conservation Trust. Because of these grants and the use of existing land preservation funds, this acquisition will not increase Acton residents’ tax bills.
The Acton Conservation Trust has been working with the owners for more than a decade to reach this goal, and we thank both the owners and Town officials who have worked hard to make this happen. The last piece of this puzzle is the Special Town Meeting on Monday, November 25 at the Acton Boxborough Regional High School and I hope you will attend to support this project.
Susan Mitchell-Hardt
President, Acton Conservation Trust