CPA Projects – Detailed Report

The Town’s acquisition of the two parcels of land comprising the Sawmill Brook Conservation Project, with assistance from Essex County Greenbelt Assn., Inc., will permanently preserve 32 acres of important open space and wildlife habitat on the western side of the Town’s Mill Pond / Pipestave Hill Conservation and Recreation Area. CPA funds will be 100% matched by either a state grant and/or fundraising by Greenbelt. Greenbelt will facilitate the real estate portion of the transaction, including holding the Purchase & Sale Agreement, and conducting due diligence (appraisal, title exam, and environmental site assessment). Greenbelt would hold the  conservation restriction on the property as is required for municipal lands acquired with CPA funds. The acquisition would be for passive recreational use, expanding the Town’s Pipestave Hill / Mill Pond conservation area, and allowing for trail expansion and the opportunity to enhance public access from Archelaus Place.