GIFTS of Conservation Land from Stoddart's and Groton Conservation Trust
Long-time Groton residents Hugh and Marion Stoddart generously donated a Conservation Restriction on 5.654 acres, located behind their home on Long Hill Road, to the town where the land will be preserved as open space in perpetuity. The parcel is prime agricultural land and it is their hope that it would continue to be used for this purpose.
In addition, Attorney June Johnson, representing Groton Conservation Trust, also gave the town a Conservation Restriction on a large parcel with 2159 feet of frontage on Long hill Road that was given to the GCT by the Lawrence Family some 35 years ago. The site is located directly across the street from Groton Place. She pointed out that there are two acres on Nashua River that could be used for canoes and 24 acres of managed forest on the site. Selectmen thanked the Stoddarts for their generous gift and Groton Conservation Trust on behalf of the town.
Tarbell School, a former neighborhood elementary school in West Groton, has apparently found a new owner as the Board approved signing a Purchase and Sale Agreement with a group of investors including owner of Country Kids Robin Kane, banker Mike Rasmussen and Christopher Mazilli. The P&S is for $35K.
The group needs more information on possible uses for the building in addition to allowing relocation of Country Kids that will occupy the first floor of the structure. The group would like the remainder of the building also to be used for educational opportunities and would consider a dance or yoga studio, or a Kumon or Sylvan for profit learning center, but they first need clarification of zoning requirements.
Rasmussen pointed out that the structure contains lead paint, asbestos and an underground fuel tank and this undertaking "is not for the faint of heart. It needs a viable use and needs to be put on the tax rolls. It will also provide jobs...It is also our plan to make the green space at the school available to the public."
In other business Selectmen and Water Commissioners met jointly to select a replacement for a resigning commissioner. They interviewed two candidates and selected Attorney Martin Schafer of Martins Pond Road as replacement. The other candidate was Art Prest, a well-known advocate for the Lost Lake/Knops Pond area, a member of the Great Ponds Advisory Committee and President of Groton Lakes Association. Selectmen expressed some concern that a Water Department decision may be in conflict with the work being done at the lakes, and urged Prest to continue with all the work he is doing for that important area.
The Board also appointed Dr. Susan Horowitz from the Board of Health; Jay Prager, Chairman of the Finance Committee; and Selectman Jack Petropoulos to the Lost Lake Sewer Committee to join current members Angela Garger and Tom Orcutt. This committee also received a new charge from Selectmen which they will review at their first meeting.
