Commission backs conservation restriction to protect 6.7-acre Bittersweet Road farm

The Falmouth Conservation Commission voted May 20 to support a privately donated conservation restriction (CR) on 44 Bittersweet Road and to send a letter of support to the select board for final town approval.

Cat Falb of the Compact of Cape Cod presented the CR to commissioners, saying the 6.7-acre parcel owned by the Bittersweet Farm Trust “is a gem of a parcel in that it contains biodiversity habitat” and contains agricultural soils the family wants to preserve. Falb said the restriction will allow continued agricultural use while removing future development rights and protecting water quality along the Coonamessett River Greenway.

“It's 6.7 acres and it is a gem of a parcel in that it contains biodiversity habitat,” Falb said. Staff clarified the commission’s role: the body was being asked to support the CR and provide a recommending letter because the select board must give final sign-off and the restriction will be recorded at the Registry of Deeds.

Commissioners asked about permanence and ownership. Staff explained that the CR will be recorded in perpetuity and that agricultural provisions travel with the deed so future owners would be bound by the restriction. Commissioners also confirmed the 300 Committee will hold and monitor the CR and that a small “special use area” around the home and barn will allow necessary utilities and maintenance while limiting new development.

After a brief round of questions, a commissioner moved and another seconded the motion to support the CR and send a recommendation letter to the select board. The roll-call motion passed; the commission voted to support the CR and forward the letter for select-board consideration.

Next steps: the select board must review and approve the conservation restriction before it can be recorded at the Registry of Deeds. The commission’s vote is a recommendation; it does not itself complete the legal recording process.