Dear Members and Supporters,

The Rutland Land Conservancy wants to again acknowledge the many people who collected signatures and the 150 plus signers of the local petitions, the over 280 online signatories with Town connections, who took the time to comment and pledge support. We are overwhelmed by the support that the people of Rutland provided at the three evenings of hearings, financial pledges, donations, phone calls, and even more by the genuine concern that so many of you have shown regarding the future of the Davis Farm, which embodies the rural character of Rutland.

It is with great regret that we tell you that RLC will not be moving this project forward. The estimated devaluation of the property by the Board of Selectmen (BOS) affected the collateral needed for the bridge financing to the point where the lender was concerned that we should not move forward. In cases such as this, the Conservation Fund wants to see full support on the part of all Town Boards. The money could be there, but not without full support of the Board of Selectmen. Notwithstanding the rescinding of a notice of insufficiency regarding a non-bona fide offer done outside of a 30 day time period required under the chapter 61 statute, the fact that the BOS took over 4 weeks, and 3 votes, and made unparalleled restrictions for a 61A assignment illustrated to the Conservation Fund that there was not sufficient support.

You should understand that this is far from the norm of what land trusts typically encounter. Most towns realize that the land trust is there not only to protect the land for community use, but also, to assist towns with acquiring State funds in the form of grants that are very beneficial for various kinds of community projects. These projects frequently reduce the ever rising cost of community services caused by over development, such as that which Rutland has been experiencing for many years. In the end, this project would have been at NO cost to Rutland taxpayers.

The chapter 61 statute was designed to allow Towns and non-profits a tool to defray the costs incurred by purchasing land for its ultimate protection. That is why the statute specifically says that when a first right of refusal is assigned to a nonprofit conservation organization, no less than 70% of the land must be maintained for conservation purposes. It leaves a 30% window to defray acquisition costs, if needed. It’s not that land trusts want to develop the land – that is contrary to our interest and our mission, but that option can provide a significant resource, either in the form of collateral, as in the case of Davis Farm, or as direct financing.

Petersham is in the process of protecting 235 acres with a conservation restriction that allows two building envelopes, which includes one for an existing barn and another for one house to permit a farmer to be able to live on the land. These measures defray the costs while saving so much more. Is there any resistance to that in the lovely town of Petersham? Of course not!  RLC is fully ready to complete these projects for you, the people of Rutland, but not with constraints way outside of the requirements of the Chapter 61 statute.

You only have to look at Princeton and the total community support that is occurring for Field Stone Farm to realize that Rutland is lacking. They are spending over $3 million and working together to make it happen. Rutland should be embarrassed by the attitude, absence of foresight, and lack of interest for the will of the people by some of the members of the current BOS.

RLC will continue to work on protecting land for the people and looks forward to continued conversations with landowners considering their options. The Rutland Land Conservancy’s Board of Directors thanks you again for your support and interest in land protection.

Best,

Cindy

Cindy Trahan-Liptak

President

Rutland Land Conservancy

Main Street, Rutland

 

The ‘Davis Farm’ is a gorgeous 58-acre parcel located at 310 Main Street, just outside of Rutland’s Town Center.  This property is an important part of Rutland’s rural character; providing historical and ecological resources.  The current owners of the property are in negotiations to sell the land for a housing development. As citizens of Rutland, you still have a chance to help preserve Rutland's character, but your help is needed now.

On March 28th at 5:30 PM at the Library, there will be a public hearing, requested by the current owners, asking the Town of Rutland to waive the Town's legal option to purchase the farmland prior to development.

The Town benefits from the right of first refusal, because for years the owners have enjoyed a reduced tax rate on the property under Chapter 61A. Under the law, when a change in the property’s use occurs, the Town has 120 days to decide whether they wish to pursue options for preserving the land. The 120 day period expires in early May. Until that time, the Town can purchase the land and preserve at least 70% as open space.

The owners are asking the Town to give up their legal right to pursue options that would preserve the property for our community. As citizens, we deserve this opportunity.

The loss of the Davis farmland will greatly impact the rural character of Rutland. This property is one of the original proprietary lots, Lot #15; land originally laid out by the founders of Rutland and currently provides an open view to the North. The land borders Thayer Pond, the Wachusett Rail Trail and property owned by Mass. Fish and Wildlife. The property also contains maple sugar bush and has diverse wildlife, both local and migrating. This property can offer an important resource to the schools in many ways. There is also great potential to connect the Rail Trail to the town center through this property, enhancing businesses in the community’s center.

If the Town of Rutland does not purchase this property, it will go to development. The town is already experiencing tremendous impact from over development. We have a million dollar deficit in the school budget alone. All town departments were asked to cut their budgets yet again. How much more of this can the municipality stand? For every tax dollar collected, much more goes out for services.

The Town can partner with other organizations and also work to acquire a grant, but they need time to investigate the many options fully. The Davis family is asking to cut short that process. This decision could change the landscape of Main Street forever. What do you want your town’s Main St. to look like?

Look at the rural character in the centers of Princeton, Oakham, Hubbardston, Sterling, and Paxton. Do you see open space? Of course, you do! Holden lost much theirs. Do you want that for Rutland?

Mr. & Mrs. Howard Davis, the former owners always loved and cared for their beautiful farm.  They greatly valued the open space it offers. Mr. Davis walked his fields most every day.

It is time that you, the people of Rutland, step up and be heard. You need to go to the hearing and make sure that your town’s Main St. is something that you can utilize and enjoy.  It may not work out to be able to raise the necessary funds, but it definitely won’t happen if we don’t at least take the time to explore all of the options. So add the March 28^th, 5:30 PM hearing to your list of places to be.