In response to G.B. Johnson’s post to the Press’s website (see “Plan to acquire new conservation land moves ahead”), it is my opinion that several of his points need clarification. Johnson writes in response to the recent action by the Board of Selectmen to grant the town of Harvard’s right of first refusal on the sale of the 15.19-acre Lawton property on Old Littleton Road to the Harvard Conservation Trust (HCT).
Following a highly structured process for taking land out of chapter (forestry, recreation, or agriculture), HCT discussed the potential project thoroughly at the Land Protection Committee level and then took it to the full Board of Trustees for further discussion. The board voted to accept the assignment of the town’s right of first refusal and then to exercise that right on the basis of the conservation and recreation values of the land. The Lawton property provides an important linkage to trails used by both pedestrians and snowmobiles. It is part of a larger wildlife corridor through this section of Harvard and abuts 44 acres of existing conservation land to the west and the south.
This highly complex project could not succeed without the willing and generous partnership and support of the Conservation Commission, the Board of Selectmen, and three families whose properties abut the Lawton property. Without this support, the price would have been prohibitive and the project would not have gone forward. The entire property, excluding the single existing house lot but including the parcels to be purchased from HCT by the abutters and the town, will be permanently protected with conservation restrictions held by HCT.
If G.B. Johnson is expecting “more than $125,000 a year in property taxes” from the planned development, the five proposed houses would need to be of significant size to generate $25,000 in taxes each per year. Big houses bring families with school-age children. From my understanding of town finances, I believe that tax revenues from homes with school-age children are pretty much matched by the costs associated with town services provided to those homes.
Harvard Conservation Trust is a private, nonprofit land trust with a mission to preserve the unique character and natural resources of Harvard, a mission that has traditionally been strongly supported by town citizens.
Molly Cutler, President
Harvard Conservation Trust
