Terry Property – Hopkinton has Right of First Refusal to Purchase

A developer has offered to buy 204 acres of property owned by the Terry family for $3 million. Because, through the Massachusetts Chapter 61A program, the land has been zoned as agricultural and has been receiving a discounted tax rate, the Town of Hopkinton has the right of first refusal to purchase the property now that a purchase and sale agreement has been signed. The land borders Lumber, West Main and Chamberlain streets, as well as the Hopkins/Middle School/High School property. The property has marbled wetlands throughout, so it is difficult to determine how much of the land is buildable yet. The various town boards having been reviewing the property this month in order to give feedback on whether the town should purchase the land. The School Committee asked Director of Land Use, Planning and Permitting, Elaine Lazarus, several questions about the land at their February 2 meeting, including is there enough land without wetlands and without a conservation restriction to build an elementary school. Approximately 15 acres would be needed to build an elementary school and there is a section of about that size off Chamberlain Street close to Hopkins School. The Planning Board discussed the property at their February 6 meeting. Hopkinton’s Sustainable Green Committee has suggested the town buy the land to be a solar farm, and sell the portion of the land not needed to the developer. If the town decides to buy the land there would a vote on it at the next Annual Town Meeting (May 7, 2012).

Articles for further reading:

Hopkinton faces $3 million decision on land deal by Michael Morton, Metrowest Daily News
http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/news/x1368166927/Hopkinton-faces-3-million-decision-on-land-deal

Green group suggests Hopkinton buy land, use part for solar farm by Michael Morton, Metrowest Daily News
http://www.wickedlocal.com/hopkinton/news/x306962273/Green-group-suggests-Hopkinton-buy-land-use-part-for-solar-farm