CPA Projects – Detailed Report

In 2009, the CPC and the Town funded the purchase of the Powers Farm for conservation and passive recreational purposes only and for the undisturbed enjoyment of open space by all residents.  The property is a combination of fields, forest and wetland that have natural and scenic qualities.  The purchase provides a vital connection and link between the Town’s pond and the proposed community park off of North Main Street.  The Town Manager and Town Planner created a plan for Powers Farm, using information from the UMASS study.  The Phase One funding will begin the creation of a community park area.  The first phase will consist of creating parking, restroom facilities, picnic pavilions, barbecue areas, walking trail and benches around the pond, a small swing set area and open lawn areas for toss, frisbee, kite flying and soccer.  The preserved land will be a great open space for the residents to get together and enjoy outdoor activities.  To make the first payment on the borrowing approved at Town Meeting to purchase Powers Farm ($800,000), the Rent Property ($425,000) and the Daly Property ($175,000). This will be the first of ten payments to payoff the bond.
 
 Committee’s Comments:
 Whereas the Committee has made a commitment to pay the bond in a ten year period, instead of choosing a twenty year bond, the CPC will save approximately $225,000 in interest charges.  The first year payment will be $126,500.  In addition, the total amount of the borrowing is $500,000 less the total appropriated amount per the state grant awarded for the purchase of Powers Farm.