Marion Open Space Acquisition Commission — July 2, 2026

The Marion Open Space Acquisition Commission met on July 2, 2026, and began by electing its officers for the 2027 fiscal year. The commission voted to appoint Norm Hills as chair, Tom as vice chair, and Kitty as clerk and note-taker. Following the election of officers, the commission approved the previous meeting's minutes and reviewed the Land Bank fund report presented by member John, which indicated a balance of $250,660 as of May 31, 2026. John noted that the town's long-term funds are securely invested through Bartholomew under the direction of the town treasurer.

Brendan Annette, Vice President of Watershed Protection at the Buzzards Bay Coalition, presented a conservation proposal for the 296-acre Stone family property off Delano Road in east Marion, known as the Wings Cove Conservation Project. The coalition holds a purchase contract for the appraised value of $3.8 million with a closing target in August 2027. The commission voted unanimously to provide a letter of support and express intent to hold the conservation restriction, subject to future town meeting approval. The commission also addressed Article 97 transfer requirements for the Marion bike path project, voting to execute a temporary license agreement between the commission and the Select Board as an interim solution approved by MassDOT while special state legislation is processed.

In other administrative business, the commission appointed Adele as its representative to the Community Preservation Committee and Tom as its representative to the Stewards of Community Open Space. Members discussed contractual negotiations with engineer Rick Sharon for the Point Road bike path project, noting that Town Administrator Jeff agreed to adjust an onerous six-year, $1 million liability insurance requirement. The commission concluded the meeting by reviewing maintenance items for Grassy Bog and Mecky Woods, and directed Chair Norm Hills to draft a boundary notification letter to an abutter encroaching on the Mecky Woods access trail.

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