The Kenney family land that runs between Phillips and Foundry Streets has been in forestry and/or agricultural status, which status gets it taxed at a lower property tax rate and gives the town the right of first refusal when it is taken out of that status. The Kenney’s recently gave the town the statutory notice of the land coming out of that status, and so the town now has 120 days from the date of that notice to buy the property for the same $1,400,000 price that a third party has agreed to pay per a signed purchase and sale agreement.
The town fortuitously has a special town meeting (STM) already in the works, that will happen on October 7, to deal with the necessary Home Rule Petition needed to effect the acquisition from the state, with DCAMM’s backing, of (1) the six acres site at the former Medfield State Hospital to construct a new water tower and (2) the thirty acre hospital tubular wellfields off Colonial Drive. Fortunately, that special town meeting (STM) will take place within the 120 required time frame.
The Kenney land has the added bonus for the town that it abuts what has been called the “scout land,” to which the residents have no good access. If the town were to acquire the Kenney land, one could walk from there to Bubbling Brook in Westwood through the woods, with the exception of about 100 yards along a road, because of linages with Walpole conservation lands.
The land has already been permitted by the town boards as a seven lot subdivision – see that plan via the link that follows – 20130906-Red Horse Farm plan
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