Overview 

The May 2022 Town Meeting voted to authorize the Select Board to acquire a 7.8 acre parcel of land located at 400 Great Pond Road. This parcel abuts Lake Cochichewick and the dwelling unit is partially located IN the lake, which hampers the Town’s ability to let the lake meet its natural elevation. Allowing the lake to meet its natural elevations would increase water reserves for the Town’s drinking water supply. Acquisition of the parcel allows the Town to protect the public water supply by raising the lake level, control the development and use of the parcel and potentially provide public access to the lake front. 

The Town purchased the property for $1.8M and subsequently the Select Board voted to establish the 400 Great Pond Road Steering Committee. The Committee is charged with recommending the reuse of the property by March 4, 2023. It is anticipated that the Town Manager will place an article on the Town Meeting 2023 warrant as a placeholder for any funding necessary to initiate such reuse as recommended by the Steering Committee and approved by the Select Board. The Town Manager may also apply for Community Preservation Committee funds as applicable. 

The reuse Committee will utilize survey tools in order to best understand community needs and wants regarding the property’s reuse. 

The Steering Committee will expire at the conclusion of May 2023 Town Meeting, but may be reconstituted by vote of the Select Board as needed.