Groton Open Space Association

Council Endorses GOSA Application: PC Nixes It On Split Vote

GROTON — The Town Council gave a strong boost April 27, 2010, to GOSA’s planned application for state funds to help purchase the 63-acre Sheep Farm on Hazelnut Hill Road. 

 

The Council voted 5-4 at its meeting in the Town Hall Annex to endorse the application. 

At a nearly simultaneous meeting in another room of the Annex, the Planning Commission declined by a vote of 3-2 to endorse it. The commission’s decision came after the commission learned of the council vote. 

The Council endorsement allows GOSA the possibility of getting 75% of the appraised value of the property, which GOSA has an option to buy at $878,500. Without the endorsement, the maximum GOSA could have qualified for would have been 65%. Actual award percentages can be less. 

GOSA’s application for the latest round of the state’s Open Space and Watershed Land Acquisition Grant Program is due May 3. The round will distribute $5 million to applicants around the state. 

The Town of Groton itself plans to apply for a grant in the same round to get funds to help buy the 30-acre former Christmas Tree Farm property on Thomas Road. The size of a town bid for the land would depend in part on two appraisals currently underway. 

The town has roughly $225,000 in open space funding, which could leverage a purchase price approaching $1 million, assuming a 75% grant, though Planning Manager Matthew Davis has said he doesn’t expect that high a tag. 

Possible competition between the GOSA and town applications played a large part in the council debate on the issue. But in the end, the legislative body approved an endorsement that did not mention the town’s application. The council’s resolution of endorsement cited as grounds that “members of the Town Council have walked the property and received information on the site’s features from GOSA members.” 

Voting in favor of the endorsement were Councilors Paulann Sheets, Frank O’Beirne Jr., Deborah Monteiro, Harry Watson and Bruce Flax. Opposing were Mayor Jim Streeter, Bill Johnson, Deborah Peruzzotti, and Catherine Kolnaski. Ms. Monteiro played a key role, appearing at the outset to oppose endorsement but altering her view as the discussion deepened. 

At the Planning Commission, the main issues were the alleged non-conformity of the proposed Sheep Farm acquisition with the town’s Plan of Conservation and Development and a perceived competition between the Sheep Farm and Christmas Tree Farm applications. GOSA President Joan Smith maintained to the commission that the proposed acquisition would fit in with the goals of the POCD, even though the tract was not shown as a conservation area in the POCD or named on the Conservation Commission’s list of properties to be protected. 

Ms. Smith cited, among other things, the cleanliness of Fort Hill Brook as it runs through the Sheep Farm and the brook’s importance to the health of Mumford Cove; the farm’s rich wildlife; its importance in Native American and Colonial history; its proximity to a Groton Utilities drinking water reservoir; and its locally rare meadow. She noted endorsements by the Inland Wetlands Agency, Shellfish Commission, local Historical Society and State Archaeologist.  Ms. Smith also fielded a number of sharp questions. 

Planning Commission Alternate Member Michael Kane, not voting at this meeting, favored the acquisition. He said the absence of the site from the POCD was not important. He said that commissioners were there to make “human decisions” and not simply consult lists. 

Chairman James Sherrard offered two ideas for compromise after opposition surfaced. One would have endorsed the Sheep Farm application but asserted priority for the Christmas Tree Farm initiative. Another would have taken no action, thus avoiding a negative outcome. 

Both attempts were blocked by Deputy Chairman Jeffrey Pritchard, and Members Hank Steinford and Peter Roper. At one point in the questioning of Ms. Smith, Mr. Pritchard asserted that GOSA’s Merritt Family Forest is smaller than the Sheep Farm and thus easier to manage. He also noted the presence of old buildings on the site. Ms. Smith pointed out that the Sheep Farm comprises 63 acres and the Merritt tract approximately 76 acres. She outlined GOSA’s plans for dealing with the buildings, most of which will have to be removed.  Mr. Steinford criticized GOSA for allegedly failing some years ago to help save a tract of land that ultimately was purchased by a local group. Ms. Smith responded that she had in fact suggested personally to the landowner that he try to interest the town in buying it. The town did not make the purchase. 

Both Mr. Pritchard and Mr. Steinford expressed the opinion that the most desirable natural attributes of the site would be preserved if the land were developed. 

In the end, Mr. Pritchard drafted a resolution to withhold endorsement on grounds that the proposed acquisition would not accord with the Plan of Conservation and Development and that the Planning Commission is supporting the Christmas Tree Farm acquisition. Mr. Pritchard’s motion was seconded by Mr. Roper. 

The Pritchard motion won votes from himself, Mr. Roper and Mr. Steinford. Chairman Sherrard and Member Ray Munn voted against. 

Mr. Munn had urged endorsement of the proposed acquisition, which he pointed out would be private rather than municipal. He called the Sheep Farm a “wonderful area.” 

Chairman Sherrard noted in conclusion that he favors acquisition of open space. He wished GOSA well with its application.