Page 193 - Microsoft Word - Annual Report 2016

LAND COMMITTEE

The Land Committee consists of five members: one from the Conservation Commission, one
from the Planning Board, one from the Finance Committee, and two Members at Large. Our
charge is to categorize and prioritize parcels of land for open space, conservation, active
recreation, and municipal needs, and to assist the Selectmen in matters involving acquisition of
land, easements and other real property interests.

During early 2016, the Land Committee efforts were focused on the Leonhard Parcel on the
North Andover/Boxford town line on Ipswich Road. The Leonhard brothers decided to remove
the frontage access in Boxford from the proposal because of the large wetlands and rescinded the
offer to Boxford. This resulted in a reduction in price for the negotiated CR to North Andover.

In early summer 2016, The Selectmen asked if we would give a recommendation about
potentially acquiring a Georgetown Road parcel for town purposes. During review we looked at
several factors including proximity to or contiguous with other town land, suitability for
municipal needs including recreational use; ability to support a public drinking water supply, and
historical significance. Ultimately the Committee determined that it did not meet the criteria and
did not support pursuing acquisition.

Committee encourages landowners contemplating the sale of their property, a donation of their
property, or the placing of a Conservation Restriction on their property, to contact our committee
so we can evaluate how your parcel affects our open space, recreational, and municipal needs.
The Land Committee will, wherever possible, incorporate the Open Space and Master Plan when
prioritizing parcels for protection.

For 2017 the Committee will meet on the second Wednesday of each month at the Town Hall.
This upcoming year the Committee hopes to focus on community needs and work with other
town committees to determine how best to meet the long and short term goals of the town. We
thank the citizens of Boxford for their continued support.

Current members;
Peter Delaney Chairman (Cons Com)
Bob Gore (Planning Bd.)
Peter Bernardin (Fin Com)
Natasha Grigg (Member at Large)
Stuart Saginor (Member at Large)