I thought it might be a good time to weigh in on this. I can't comment on how condo developments in Lincoln allocate their open space (I will look into it), but my guess is that it varies from project to project.
As I mentioned at the recent Brimstone Planning Board hearing (I do realize that it was difficult for those in the audience to hear what was going on), I will be recommending to the SVT Land Protection Committee that we accept the open space portion of the subdivision in fee (that is, we would own it outright). When SVT accepts gifts of land for conservation, we have the daunting task of managing that land; with that comes the equally daunting task of asking for funds to manage the land. The developer has offered to donate $10,000 towards the stewardship of the Brimstone open space; $5,000 up front, and an additional $500 per house for the last ten houses, as they are sold. This will initially be deposited into a town conservation account. If SVT accepts the property, the funds will be turned over to SVT to cover stewardship costs. $10,000 is far below the original amount that SVT requested from the developer for stewardship, and this is one reason that I can offer no guarantees that our Land Protection Committee and Board will accept the land. The agreed-upon amount was negotiated between the Planning Board and developer/developer's attorney. SVT was not kept in-the-loop throughout the back and forth on this issue. In terms of a condo or homeowners' association, SVT typically prefers not to share ownership or management of land with such entities. We do have some excellent relationships with neighbors of our properties, who often act as volunteer stewards, and for this we are incredibly grateful. However, the unfortunate reality is that other neighbors may be responsible for encroachments onto conservation land, and it takes time and energy to deal with this, and often incurs substantial legal fees. While we might enter into a friendly agreement with a conservation-oriented homeowners' association at the outset of a project, as homes turn over, the sympathies of that association have the potential to change and may be less inclined toward cooperative management. I sincerely hope that SVT can work out an agreement with the town for the disposal of this property that benefits everyone. Stay tuned... Christa Hawryluk Collins Land Protection Specialist Sudbury Valley Trustees 978.897.5500 x15 -----Original Message----- From: Bob Schneider [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] Sent: Sunday, February 16, 2003 12:49 PM To: collierprice; Theresa & Bill Merriam; Paul Willitts Cc: Framingham Neighbors Subject: Re: Who should control parcel - Brimstone The town of Lincoln has had favorable experience with cluster homes. Does anyone know how they handle the maintenance of the open areas? They also have some of the most attractive condominium developments that are managed through the condominium fee. It is certainly to the benefit of the property owners to maintain high property values. How is it being handled at Brimstone? Will the home owners share in the ownership of the open space? Bob Schneider ----- Original Message ----- From: "collierprice" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "Theresa & Bill Merriam" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>; "Paul Willitts" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Cc: "Framingham Neighbors" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Saturday, February 15, 2003 10:11 PM Subject: Who should control parcel - Brimstone > I live on the South Side so I believe the neighbors should have more input > than I do, > > but I have to agree with Leslee that Town-owned conservation property is > > is more safe than privately held property. It is a pity that the town wastes > money > > on a host of things and always nickel's and dime's our Conservation > Commission. > > I belong to SVT and agree that it will probably do a good job but it > > is my second choice in this case. > > Ned Price > > re: > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Theresa & Bill Merriam" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > To: "Paul Willitts" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > > Sent: Friday, February 14, 2003 8:42 AM > > > 1)Ownership by the town with a conservation restriction (CR) held by a > third party; > > .
