01/23/2020 COMMUNITY PRESERVATION ACT COMMITTEE Minutes

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6 Community Preservation Committee Minutes January 23, 2020 APPOINTMENTS & HEARINGS Mashpee Conservation Department Andrew McManus. Katelyn Cadoret• Application: Purchase of Active Cranberry Bog and Surrounding Upland for Freshwater Wetland Restoration and Water Quality Improvement of Santuit Pond: (continued) Mr. York indicated the purchase of the bog and upland parcels is a relatively low cost solution to remediate Santuit Pond. On site there is a large working pump that may have the ability to capture more nutrients from the pond. The lots are retained by the same owner. Three of the lots are deemed buildable. The CPC opened the public comment period. Richard DeSourgher indicated the purchase of the bog and surrounding upland properties is a win-win for the Town of Mashpee. The plan to utilize the land as wetlands and conservation makes a lot of sense. Santuit Pond is beautiful and the action as proposed would act as a stop gap measure until sewerage is installed in this area. Jamie Regan a local realtor disclosed he has been working with the family, owners of the lots. The property is listed for sale under the assessed value. The proponents have owned the property for 20 years and are noted to be willing to negotiate the purchase with the Town of Mashpee. Mr. Regan indicated there is an access road off of Cranberry Lane used to harvest cranberries from Newtown Road, Cotuit. There is also adjacent conservation land in the Town of Barnstable that would add to the wildlife corridor. Mr. Regan stated this is a great opportunity for ecotourism. The issue of water withdrawal rights under MGL Chapter 21 G was an matter of concern. It was recommended the rights be transferred back to the Town as part of the sale. It was disclosed there is a Chapter 61A exemption on the value of the bog property which differs considerably from the asking price. There is a building on the bog parcel that could possibly be developed. Two of the lots could also be considered for development. It was disclosed the Mashpee Historical Commission has reached consensus to support this project, and recommendation for the use of the CPA 10% Historical Reserve to fund this project.