Planning Unit Endorses Thomas Road Open Space Application By Town

GROTON — The Town of Groton Planning Commission has endorsed a proposal for the town to apply for a state open space grant to acquire 29 acres of land along Thomas Road.

The proposal by the Conservation Commission to the Town Council received unanimous endorsement from the Planning Commission at its meeting April 13, 2010. Also endorsed was use of the $224,000 in the town’s open space budget to help finance the purchase.

Planning Manager Matthew Davis, who presented the plan to the commission, noted that a grant of up to 75% was possible. The town open space funds plus a 75% grant would enable a purchase price approaching $1 million, he said, but added he didn’t think the price would go that high.

The tract is in three pieces, a very small one of which is in the City of Groton.

The proposal also was put to the Town Council’s Committee of the Whole on the same night. The Committee of the Whole has requested more information.

Deadline for an application is May 3, 2010.

The largest of the three tracts is 26.78 acres, at 155 Thomas Road. Owner is listed as Doris P. Pulaski (Trustee). The second largest is 2.32 acres at 0 Thomas Road, owner being the estate of William C. Spicer Jr. The third is 0.07 acre, 0 Thomas Road in the City of Groton, being owned by William C. Spicer III.

Land Acquisitions | April 13, 2010