Bill > H4362

This bill authorizes the town of Westford to release specific agricultural preservation restrictions (APRs) on land owned by Westford Gateway, LLC, which is being acquired by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) for a Boston Road rehabilitation project. The bill allows the town to execute a certificate of release for portions of APRs previously granted by Keith and Nanci Bohne, which are detailed in specific registry of deeds records. As mitigation for releasing these restrictions, MassDOT will provide funding to Westford equal to at least 110% of the fair market value of the impacted lands. The town must deposit these funds into its Community Preservation Fund and use them within three years to acquire replacement conservation or agricultural land of equal or greater value and natural resource significance. MassDOT will cover all expenses related to the release, such as engineering, surveys, and appraisals, and the remaining agricultural preservation restrictions not directly impacted by this project will remain in full force and effect. The bill would take effect immediately upon passage.

Budget and Finance

House Committee on Ways and Means (House)

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H4362