News: Ruling increases debate over Weston Nurseries deal
A U.S. Bankruptcy ruling giving Weston-based developer Boulder Capital the right to buy 742 acres of Weston Nurseries land in Hopkinton for $25.5 million has stepped up debate over whether the town should trump the deal under conservation regulations.
Officials and members of a citizens group for open space cite growing interest among Hopkinton residents to consider purchasing the parcel, which Boulder plans to develop for housing and mixed use, to insure it stays open space or is developed in a way that protects the town’s best interest. And, they say, an offer by the national nonprofit Trust for Public Land to help with the conservation effort could reassure residents about that option and possibly help raise some funding.
However, Liisa Jackson, co-founder of the Hopkinton Organization to Preserve and Enhance, says Hopkinton would still have to raise most of the $31 million needed to exercise its first right of refusal, which must take place 120 days after the town is officially notified of the Boulder deal. Jackson and Finley Perry, chair of the town’s Land Use Study Committee, say the purchase is one of several options the town needs to explore further before making a decision. Perry says the town could also simply wait until a master plan for that section of town is completed next fall. That plan, he says, will give the townspeople "real control" over what happens on the parcel.
On the other hand, Perry says, it may be best if the town votes on whether or not to buy the land at town meeting, so voter sentiment is clear.
Meanwhile, Boulder President Roy MacDowell Jr. says he will meet with residents, officials and the Trust for Public Land to convince them his company will develop the land in a way to preserve open space, provide affordable housing and avoid straining town services.
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