By Michael Dempsey
Special to The Town Common
GROVELAND – Last month the town announced the release of a Request for Expression of Interest or REI on the development of 150 Center Street. The town-owned parcel was purchased in 2013 and consists of 60 acres of undeveloped land. A 300-home subdivision was originally planned for the site under the state’s 40B law where local zoning and other restrictions can be bypassed.
Many citizens were concerned about the impact of the development on our water supply with the town’s main aquifer located under the site. At a town-wide vote, 63% of voters approved the purchase of the parcel. The parcel has been under the care of the Select Board since. A study was completed last year that proposed the development of a portion of the property. The REI has been issued to determine who may be interested in the property and what if anything might be built there.
Trail Stewardship program
The Groveland ConservatiPn Commission and the Groveland Recreation Committee continue to develop their plans for a new 2025 trails stewardship program. They want volunteers to help maintain our trails. The trail sites include Meadow Pond Reservation, Town Forest Reservation, Center Street Greenway, Veasey Park, Merrimack River Trail and the Community Trail. Volunteers can help for one day, one project, one site or for the whole season. Tasks may include posting trail markers, repairing bridges, building trail signs and cleaning and clearing trails. Interested volunteers can contact the Commission at 978-556-7205 or concomm@grovelandma.com.
Spring Cleanup Day
On April 19, more than 30 residents gathered at the Pines Recreation Area to clean up trash for an event sponsored by the Conservation Commission. The cleanup focused on the boat ramp and the Merrimac River Trail. Seventeen bags of trash and debris were collected by the volunteers. The Commission sponsors annual cleanups in town every year for an Earth Day celebration. ♦
