Published: 01/11/2008 In the Eagle-Tribune

Sandown selectmen back protection of 138 acres

By Terry Date
Staff writer

SANDOWN - Selectmen unanimously recommended last night that voters approve a proposal to buy 138 acres next to the town forest for $1.6 million to protect the land from development.

The proposal would pay for the Minton property with a $1 million bond and use most of the $670,000 in the town's conservation fund, said Conservation Commission member Mark Traeger.

The 20-year bond would cost taxpayers an estimated 23 cents per $1,000 of property valuation in its first year. The annual cost would decrease each year, ending at 11 cents per $1,000, according to the commission.

The bond article is to appear on the town warrant in March and needs at least a 60 percent vote for approval, Traeger said.

Conservation Commission members told selectmen that the $1.6 million price tag is 20 percent below the property's appraised value.

The land will provide residents more opportunities for recreation and protect an important waterway, the Exeter River, which the Minton property fronts, Traeger said.

Commission member Matt Russell said the land has added value because it abuts protected property. It would give the town a 260-acre block of protected land, he said.

Large tracts of protected land provide an undisturbed habitat, which is crucial for plants and animals to thrive.

In addition, the land's historic value is increased with the presence of an old mill, Russell said.

The land is one of the last large undeveloped parcels in town. If protected, the property could not be developed, Russell said.

Many residential projects have been proposed in town, commission members said. The addition of another large project would put even greater pressure on town infrastructure and increase the cost of local services, especially those for schools, Russell said.

Selectwoman Paula Bonasoro gave the proposal a strong endorsement, saying it is "very important for the town" to protect the land.

Selectmen Chairman Ted Winglass echoed that sentiment and said his panel supports the proposal.

The commission will present the bond proposal to residents at a public hearing scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on Saturday at Town Hall.