2020.04.13 Council Agenda Item 8

The March 9, 2020 Council meeting agenda included two items related to land acquisition.

The Council heard an update on the possible acquisition of approximately 80 acres of undeveloped land on Falmouth Road. The Council had discussed in executive session the possible acquisition of land from Amsterdam Property Corporation. This property is adjacent to the Falmouth Corners conservation area owned by the Falmouth Land Trust. A preliminary sketch plan for a 30 single-family subdivision was heard by the Planning Board on January 7, 2020. At the time of the meeting, an appraisal ordered by the Town Manager was underway. 

Additionally, The Falmouth Land Trust (Trust) has been working with Don Hincks to explore the purchase of land located on the corner of Johnson Road and Route 1. The Land Trust seeks to acquire the 52-acre property for open space and conservation. The Trust has raised part of the funding to support the acquisition. The Trust offered a presentation at the February 3, 2020 Council meeting and requested that the Town contribute funding toward the project. The Council heard public comment on the request at the March 9, 2020 Council meeting. At that meeting, a majority of the Council expressed support for contributing $200,000 from the Open Space Fund Acquisition Fund and directed the Town Manager to work with the Land Trust to develop an Memorandum of Understanding.

At this meeting, the Council will revisit its discussion of these items in light of the current economic uncertainty and revised FY21 Town Budget.