Many Southampton residents are unequivocal about their vision for open space in this picturesque town of nearly 5,800 — they want to see more of it preserved.
It’s disturbing that it took residents prodding town officials to open up discussion about the potential sale of three parcels totaling 152 acres of undeveloped and temporarily protected land, which the town may have a right of first refusal to buy.
According to the town’s most recent master plan — the multiyear blueprint approved in 2013 — more than 82 percent of respondents said they either “agree” or “strongly agree” that the town should work to preserve open space resources, and more than 84 percent agree that the town should preserve and protect active use of remaining farmland.
Yet in recent months, the three parcels of undeveloped land currently under “temporary” protected status through the state’s Chapter 61 program — 85 acres on Glendale Road, 50 acres on College Highway and 17 acres on Fomer Road — are being aggressively marketed for sale as prime spots for development for residential and commercial purposes. The potential sales received little public attention until residents rightfully began asking questions.
The Chapter 61 program allows owners significant property tax breaks for not developing the land and keeping it in one of three categories — forestry (Chapter 61), agricultural (Chapter 61A) and recreation (Chapter 61B). But the status is not permanent, because owners of the lands can sell at any time. That’s exactly what’s happening to the properties in Southampton.
Communities don’t have to sit idly by when a parcel enrolled in Chapter 61 is for sale. State law allows communities the right of first refusal to purchase the property when a landowner intends to sell it for a different use.
There is debate in Southampton over whether the town can exercise its right of first refusal, because developers have not yet signaled their intent for the land. A lawyer hired by the town said the refusal clause isn’t triggered until this happens, and one Select Board member told the Gazette its hands may be tied.
But that’s one opinion. The Select Board says it will hear from other experts at a public forum at 6 p.m. Thursday in the cafeteria at the William E. Norris School. The forum is a smart move, and we hope that the town does all it can to pursue its right of first refusal for these properties and others that may come up for sale in the future. While it doesn’t mean the town would pay a bargain for the property — it would have to be sold at fair market value — there is value in keeping it preserved.
The owners of the three properties in question describe the land they’re trying to sell for its commercial potential, not for preservation.
The $1.2 million real estate listing for the College Highway parcel, for example, begins: “Tremendous opportunities exist with this commercial/residentially zoned property.”
That property near Gunn Road was sold March 1 to developer Eugene Labrie, co-owner of J&E Precision Tool. Labrie said he intends to keep the site under Chapter 61 status, and plans to keep a portion for forestry and use some of for haying.
Residents suggested that the town purchase it for a new public safety complex and affordable housing.
The $720,000 listing price for the Glendale Road parcel carries this description: “Ideal for large single family lots. Property formerly known as Williston Woods.”
Planning Board minutes show that builder and contractor David Garstka is looking into purchasing the land to build a subdivision, which would include affordable housing.
And the $280,000 listing on Fomer Road is described this way: “Potential for multiple building lots in beautiful Southampton.”
Conservation Commission minutes show that the owner of the Wolf Hill Sanctuary next to the property has expressed interest in purchasing the parcel to expand the sanctuary.
While the potential remains for preserving at least some of the land, we wish that Southampton officials had gotten involved more quickly and publicly in considering their possible purchase by the town, rather than waiting for residents to raise a red flag.
We encourage Southampton leaders to follow the lead of its residents as expressed in the master plan and seriously consider whether the town should purchase some of this newly available land.