The Marion Open Space Acquisition Commission met in person in the Police Station on May 7 for discussions on the land swap between the commission and the Select Board, tree removals, and other updates.
Following the approval of the minutes from the commission’s April 16 meeting, Chair John Rockwell moved to discuss the Land Bank Report fund. However, it was noted by commission members the most recent report would not be available until the following week, therefore delaying this conversation to next month’s meeting.
Next, the chair opened discussion on the Open Space Property Transfer for the Marion Shared Use Path. The transfer of nearly 3,000 square feet near Washburn Park was approved by voters at the Special Town Meeting in March. In handing over the land to the Select Board, the Open Space Acquisition Commission was transferred 13 acres in between Old Indian Trail and Parlowtown Road.
Rockwell said the commission’s newly acquired property contains two restrictions, or easements, in relation to land usage. One of the nearby homes has the ability to access part of the land as well as the federal government due to wildlife conservation efforts at the nearby bogs.
The Select Board already independently voted to approve the transfer, with the commission voting this night to also support it. Rockwell said there was a separate vote taking place by the Massachusetts General Court on Wednesday, May 13, which they were expected to support.
The commission then moved to the discussion of updates on tree removals at Grassi Bog. Before tree removal can commence, a budget estimate needs to be assessed. The chair stated, in meeting with experts, work on felling the trees would only take a day but removal of the debris could take up to four days. “The small stuff would be obliterated,” Rockwell said, noting only larger pieces would require extraction.
On the timeline of the project, Rockwell clarified, “we have no money until a year from now,” signifying the project will not get the go-ahead until 2027.
The next meeting of the Marion Open Space Acquisition Commission is scheduled for Thursday, June 4.
Marion Open Space Acquisition Commission
By Sam Bishop