10/19/2020 Annual Town Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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public or private sources to defray a portion or all of the costs of acquiring said property and to authorize the Board of Selectmen and/or the Conservation Commission to enter into all agreements and execute any and all instruments on behalf of the Town as may be necessary to effect this acquisition or to effect restrictions upon the use of said land upon such terms and conditions as the Selectmen shall deem to be in the best interest of the Town, or take any other action relating thereto. Submitted by the Board of Selectmen Explanation: This Article seeks to authorize the Board of Selectmen to acquire title to the property identified as Gooseberry Island, a 3.8 acre island located in Popponesset Bay off Punkhorn Point between Popponesset Bay and the mouth of the Mashpee River, for open space, conservation and passive recreation purposes. The Article further seeks an appropriation of Community Preservation Act funds for the acquisition of said land, including any incidental fees, costs and expenses relating thereto, pursuant to the recommendation of the Community Preservation Committee. Gooseberry Island has for many years been classified as a Private Land of Conservation Interest in the Town's Open Space, Conservation and Recreation Plan. The Plan places a high priority on public acquisition and preservation of properties in Mashpee which provide scenic landscapes and vistas, particularly properties located on bodies of water or affording water views. Due to its location, Gooseberry Island offers spectacular vistas of Popponesset Bay, Ockway Bay and the Mashpee River. The acquisition of this property would also further the Town's interest in preserving the natural beauty and qualities of rapidly diminishing open, natural spaces in the Town and in enhancing the water quality in coastal areas. Lands acquired with Community Preservation Funds for the acquisition, creation, and preservation of open space must be permanently restricted by a recorded instrument limiting the use thereof to open space/natural resources protection purposes. The Board of Selectmen recommends approval of Article 20 by a vote of 4-1 The Finance Committee does not recommend approval of Article 20 by a vote of 5-0 Motion To Be Made By Selectman Gottlieb Motion: I move that the Town vote to approve Article 20 as printed in the Warrant, with the exception of the phrase "or take any other action relating thereto." Motion indefinitely postponed at 8:09 pm Meeting adjourned at 8:09 pm 18