Committee flags unprotected parcels as 15.6-acre site exits Chapter 61 protections

The Town of Lakeville Open Space Committee discussed two land-conservation items Dec. 4 after the Chair raised concerns about parcels leaving Chapter 61 protection.

Chair David Zolonis said a 15.6-acre parcel that had been a priority protection area appears to be out of Chapter 61 and could be taxable this fiscal year unless a new Chapter 61A filing is received. He said the forest consultant notified the landowner and the committee should confirm whether the parcel has been placed on the market.

Why it matters: Parcels leaving Chapter 61 protections move from preferential tax treatment into normal taxation and can become available for development. The committee agreed the town administrator should be notified promptly if the parcel appears on the market and the Community Preservation Committee or other town funding sources might need to consider rapid action.

Members also discussed a separate listing for Powderly Meadows, a roughly 50-acre property that a member found online; that parcel remains in Chapter 61a, which limits immediate change of use. Speaker 3 said the listing price appeared to be about $1.25 million for the ~50 acres.

Next steps: Zolonis will verify the 15.6-acre parcel’s Chapter 61 status with the assessor’s office and, if the property is for sale, alert the town administrator so the town can consider options. The committee asked staff to watch assessor records and market listings and to share any confirmed listings with the town administrator and CPC for possible acquisition or other action.