Groton Open Space Association

Conservation Unit Urges Town Get Grant To Buy Spicer Properties

GROTON — The Conservation Commission is recommending that the town apply for a state grant to help purchase the Spicer properties located at 0 and 155 Thomas Road.

In a memo to the Town Council dated April 8, 2010, the commission urged that the town prepare an application immediately for the upcoming round of grants under the state’s Open Space and Watershed Land Acquisition Program. The state could provide up to 75% of the funding. No cost was mentioned in the memo. Deadline for a grant application is May 3, 2010.

The three [correct] properties, totaling about 29 acres, previously had been targeted as the proposed site of a marine science magnet school. The site later was dropped from consideration. The memo said, “This land has a number of natural resources including tidal and freshwater wetlands and state listed species of concern. It would provide public access to Birch Plain Creek and its flat land could be used as a community garden.”

The same memo informed the council that the commission had considered a seven-acre Merritt property parcel at 3 Fort Hill Road for open space and a community garden, but had decided not to recommend that it be acquired. It said the majority of the property is wetland or steep, stony slopes.

The Groton Open Space Association plans to apply by May 3 for a state grant under the forthcoming round to help purchase the 65-acre Sheep Farm on Hazelnut Hill Road.