01/14/2021 COMMUNITY PRESERVATION ACT COMMITTEE Minutes

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6 Community Preservation Committee Minutes January 14, 2021 APPOINTMENTS &HEARINGS Review Discussion&Possible Action on the following CPC Application proposed for the May 2021 Town Meeting: (continued) Mr. Larkin asked if there is existing wildlife habitat on the island and if so, how would the habitat be protected, and if there is a cost involved. Ms. Cadoret responded by stating the island has an important migratory bird habitat and an assumed wildlife system that would be monitored with other conservation lands. Mr. Larkin related concern with respect to the potential cost to purchase the property. In normal process,the Community Preservation Committee authorizes an appraisal of real value for real estate purchases. The price at this time has not been determined. Negotiations would follow thereafter. Mr. Harsch asked as to the types of species that may exist on the island. Ms. Cadoret stated that species of marsh birds,waterfowl and upland birds exist on the island. This would include but not be limited to Great Blue Heron, Great Egrets, and Buffleheads, etc. Ms. Barbee inquired about public road access to the beach. At this time,the island if acquired would be accessible from the water only. CPC member Brian Hyde agreed this is a unique piece of property, and in reviewing the communication from Mr. McCarthy any open space the Community Preservation Committee can preserve is what makes the town special. To retain the character of the island is highly desirable. It is troubling though that this piece of private property is on the docket to acquire by eminent domain and it is not within Mr. Hyde's purview to take property from residents. It was noted the property owner Matthew Haney provided an opinion of value for Gooseberry Island that presented a fair market value of$5,500,000 for the subject property. Mr. Hyde stated that this cost estimate is beyond the scope of the Community Preservation Committee. Committee member Richard Halpern did not offer any comment at this time. Chairman Gottlieb indicated the Select Board voted 4-1 in support to pursue the acquisition of the Gooseberry Island property. The article as drafted contemplates as with other land acquisition articles granting the authority to the Select Board to acquire the property by gift, purchase and/or eminent domain taking. The parcel is very interesting and unique as well as culturally important to the Mashpee community. In regular process,the Community Preservation Committee obtains an appraisal of real value before negotiations begin. It is hopeful that a fair and reasonable price would be agreed upon.