Boxborough ConCom recommends town meeting approve Taylor Farm Road land purchase for $4,415

BOXBOROUGH -- April 2, 2025, Boxborough Conservation Commission recommends town meeting approve an eight-acre Taylor Farm Road parcel purchase for $4,415. The commission voted at its April 2 meeting to back the warrant article, which would compensate a landowner for property taxes paid since the Select Board wrongly rejected the owner's donation in 2022, a decision town staff said was based on incorrect advice that additional homes could be built there. At least one member dissented, raising concerns about setting a precedent by compensating a landowner whose subsequent development push generated community opposition and required eight wetlands waivers. Town Planner Alec told the commission that a subdivision condition had always prohibited further development and the prior Select Board "had been working off of bad advice." The commission also unanimously closed a public hearing and authorized an order of conditions for a septic system replacement at 58 Kendall Road, presented by Matt Morrow of Morrow Environmental Consulting on behalf of owner Mark Houston, with the $4,415 purchase to be funded from free cash as designated by the Finance Committee.