Wendemuth Meadow initiative accelerates pace

By Ruth M. Lyon

Turley Publications Reporter

NORTH BROOKFIELD – Ann Hicks, director of an ad hoc committee formed to work toward the town’s ownership of a 30-acre property on Bates St. for recreational and environmental preservation use, met with the board of selectmen last week to provide an update on the group’s endeavors.

The contract for the Conservation Appraisals for Small Communities grant was executed by the state on June 4, she explained. She went on to explain that the grant reimburses towns with populations under 5,000 for the cost of their appraisal. To receive reimbursement, the town must also file a Local Acquisition for Natural Diversity (LAND) grant application. The grant is a reimbursement grant; purchase funds must be raised prior to or upon receipt of the grant, to be reimbursed once the purchase is finalized.

The group raised the funds for an appraiser with private donations; the appraisal has been completed, and the committee has met with realtor Joe Lee and extended an offer. The state LAND grant, which would pay for 68 percent of the purchase price, is due on July 15.

She reviewed some of the reasons for her group’s interest in and enthusiasm for the acquisition of the property by the town, emphasizing that, although the town would own it, it would cost the town nothing. All necessary funds would be paid by the grant and funds raised by the group, she said.

“This area has scenic, recreational, historic and ecological resources that, if preserved, would benefit our community both now and in the future,” she said. She pointed to the town’s accessibility by townspeople – within walking distance of the town’s center, with sidewalks in place for most of the distance.

“The property, which abuts the town forest, is ideal for recreational uses, and permanent protection of the land would preserve the spring from which water was historically bottled and sold. This in turn would protect a tributary of Coy’s Brook, the area of which has been classified by the state as “designated habitat” for rare wildlife, she said.

She concluded by saying “Town ownership of this property would add greatly to our quality of life. It is an area loved by many and a dedicated group of volunteers is willing to do the work required to purchase and manage this beautiful piece of land. We thank you very much for your time and assistance with this project.”