[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6479856,"mediaKeyId","5691942-77f6936abb2c3485af2c6225d282f19f","parentId",5691942,"title","Committee updates: Rider donation, Harveston fund balance and conservation prospects for local parcels","audioSeconds",663,"startMs",31000,"endMs",694000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5691942-77f6936abb2c3485af2c6225d282f19f&start=31&end=694","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5691942-77f6936abb2c3485af2c6225d282f19f/thumbnail_31000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6479856/Massachusetts/Committee-updates-Rider-donation-Harveston-fund-balance-and-conservation-prospects-for-local-parcels","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6479856-db7807ba0d0fc43c9be303f2d64de46d/orig.mp4?Expires=1770415478&Signature=mzhWnZpkGTnNVzmauKy4sdUUg2vQfE6JJLu~aLOSxCm3Tr7mydI-KsmxtAijh7M343sTg7t1ajW2ErpbW2DJDoGq~weGpDRkXePP-x3TEa2h6~~xnvEsQzQlifl3iowNV~DmEt8UM1SapW6RFYRiuzhPWlBkx01BmkBHWg2nCOVVW6jwBmfS63cqXsYiOVfJe5QSIKt~J4wLSfJax7zHdU1KhMLGmTXOJb0dtbfjdZm3a5j3yewVm7ygdoCPuqLYU16ULGqbadrrdIsV2e5JE0L3NusunjuAdWY3nIMALuyjl~eTrY8vsIh30aPqz2ucsWou0UVaB5nQ6zkvGrYa1w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Hubbardston","date","2025-08-29T02:14:07Z","article","The Town of Hubbardston Open Space Committee reviewed recent receipts and conservation prospects at its Aug. 28 meeting, noting a small Rider property donation, the Harveston Preservation Trust balance, and several parcels under informal consideration for conservation.

Financial updates included a Rider property donation of $4,001.57 and reported interest bringing the Harveston Preservation Trust to $20,360.34. Committee members said the open-space donation account remains small and that they should consider a modest annual line item in the town budget to cover routine maintenance on new and existing trails (committee members suggested amounts in the range of $1,000–$2,000 as a baseline and discussed $5,000 for more substantial work).

On specific parcels, committee members said francophone outreach and individual landowner conversations continue: a Kelton family property (owner recovering from a stroke) is now likely to remain occupied by a family member in the near term; the committee discussed the possibility of a conservation restriction (CR) but noted the town lacks funds for CR purchases and would rely on a land trust or state/federal funding for purchase. The committee also referenced outreach to landowners including a Francois contact and a potential Frank/Gadlin parcel; committee members agreed to continue walking candidate properties and discuss next steps.

The committee also discussed the Gates Foundation area and the need for a longer-term plan to stabilize safety hazards (a failing split-rail fence and a steep drop at one location) and to prevent annual, ad-hoc maintenance. Members agreed to retain the item on future agendas and to pursue a permanent solution when volunteer and funding availability aligns.

No acquisitions or purchases were approved at the meeting; members said follow-up steps include outreach, property walks, and coordination with land trusts for potential CR funding.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Open Space 8.28.25","oneSentenceSummary","The Open Space Committee reviewed donation receipts, reported a stable Harveston Preservation Trust balance, and discussed conservation options for several privately owned parcels including the Rider property and a Kelton family parcel.","taxTitle","Town of Hubbardston, Worcester County, Massachusetts","taxId",61645,"location","Massachusetts","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6479861,"Public forum prompts committee discussion of sandpit future — solar and senior housing both considered",234,4576000,4810000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5691942-77f6936abb2c3485af2c6225d282f19f&start=4576&end=4810","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5691942-77f6936abb2c3485af2c6225d282f19f/thumbnail_4576000.jpg","/articles/6479861/Massachusetts/Public-forum-prompts-committee-discussion-of-sandpit-future-solar-and-senior-housing-both-considered","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6479861-409b13a7d99c7c3753c45421769133da/orig.mp4?Expires=1770415478&Signature=RVhk8MzWMSMSk-4Dd0FTK4nxjg1Ie5d9KEcOqGkucS1eaBhd6CtNHfMMfGtNkkQIXzd8SqFID8RZp6bG-VtWNJEWzZjJUnaJ0MDMU00OG~Ix9-b6CFMclEElpx7Q6wdzqPY0HtcE1YGWzjfy2RSXU7bNPD1piuV1NBpcVsy5JMmZUk0kznjP~oDODKLq2EVnIcDxR-snPpPWA7Cnf0y4O~EghDGIaXkYS9wO~Z1X6RWeLWFkzyS9iOwGel6U3xIvYV7n2o1MrSr0NX14bYUPNBqZRYyydV9YvRuz0XemUQYFaA2cHuvM8udSdooe9PyANF7oni~jg43Lj3MeevoH7w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Members of the Town of Hubbardston Open Space Committee recapped a public forum on the sandpit and debated options raised by residents and presenters, including low-impact solar use and senior housing models similar to the Village at Duxbury.

Committee members said a later portion of the forum drew the most engagement and that some residents emphasized that residential development often costs a town more in services than it yields in taxes, while others argued the town needs revenue and housing. One commenter described solar as a lower-impact alternative that requires clearing but produces steady revenue with little ongoing demand for town services. Another committee member described a senior-housing model that mixes independent and assisted living units, provides on-site services and transportation, and would likely create jobs and generate tax revenue without increasing K–12 enrollment.

The committee noted the next procedural step: consultants preparing a report that reflects public input and identifies feasible options and constraints. That report was expected to be circulated to the select board and planning board around Sept. 9. The committee agreed letters and materials about senior-housing models and solar options should be routed to the select board and planning board as part of the record.

No land-use decisions were made at the meeting; members urged the committee and town staff to provide written materials to planning officials before the consultant report deadline so the select and planning boards can incorporate the committee’s position and evidence from the forum into subsequent reviews.","Committee members reported a public forum on the sandpit site and discussed feedback contrasting potential solar development with a senior living village-type proposal; members outlined next steps for a consultant report to the select board and planning board.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6479866,"Committee seeks clarity on hayfield lease, procurement rules and fertilization plan",301,5463000,5764000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5691942-77f6936abb2c3485af2c6225d282f19f&start=5463&end=5764","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5691942-77f6936abb2c3485af2c6225d282f19f/thumbnail_5463000.jpg","/articles/6479866/Massachusetts/Committee-seeks-clarity-on-hayfield-lease-procurement-rules-and-fertilization-plan","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6479866-8f0ea1b106062b89cc9bfea67629486d/orig.mp4?Expires=1770415478&Signature=jesDxtVivqev3Or4gbNzJQXU1AF64vjz8w5GAkVjYMvdXZOf8y4oaEas1A2Q8xfMhXGZa6um6pRL65MD31CGjbaUfNsEOTRlufqqRQN8b4UBu-ehBz2KAdw4HBCTjpHpAmqdTKVoZ7D8WLvpBpQgE76Ea6xLUvtSpqCdYyeVFvf1lUiL8DzvWiqj8-q~waSs3A7H-IPmYXpI-rdVELLZ-2bl~UqoY0eFEEkqCDZJWIAOFFnASlfaJ8NM7qBZovYEK-DCUdBKSAsduArmDW~XXprAkxIKGDRq50SO0fMstcowkgmU64VQ~wK60g2Kl~~KafwMBb3u3dBi7rum2iF3BA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Town of Hubbardston Open Space Committee members spent part of their Aug. 28 meeting seeking clarification on the town’s hayfield arrangement, procurement rules for multi-year contracts, and whether the town or the farmer should pay for soil testing and fertilization.

Committee members said Lance, the contractor who currently mows/harvests the town hay fields under an existing arrangement, needs a written commitment before investing in fall fertilization. They reported that a single multi-year contract spanning five years could exceed the town’s threshold for competitive procurement and that shorter-term contracts (two- or three-year) could avoid that threshold. The committee asked Nate (town staff) to confirm applicable procurement limits and whether the town may legally renew or revise the arrangement without a bid process.

The committee also discussed operational details: soil testing on the town’s approximately 45 acres of hay fields, followed by a fertilization plan based on test results; the need to do fertilization in the fall before frost; and who would pay for samples or materials. Members noted that soil-tests are not especially expensive but that collecting representative samples across multiple fields requires time and logistics. One option discussed was the town buying fertilizer and having Lance apply it under a written agreement; another was including fertilization terms in a renewed contract so the contractor has certainty before spending funds.

Members requested legal clarification and a written procurement path from Nate or the town counsel so Lance can decide whether to fertilize this year. The committee also asked that any contract record who is responsible for soil testing, the frequency of tests and whether a warranty/maintenance period exists if the town later pursues repairs or resurfacing on other projects.

No formal motion to change the lease was recorded in the transcript; the committee agreed to pursue written confirmation from town staff about procurement options and to follow up before the frost season.","Open Space Committee members discussed the hayfield lease with contractor Lance, procurement threshold questions for multi-year arrangements, and the need for soil testing before any fertilization.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6479870,"Hubbardston committee finalizes ribbon-cutting and signage for new Dottie Rock accessible trail",77,1051000,1128000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5691942-77f6936abb2c3485af2c6225d282f19f&start=1051&end=1128","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5691942-77f6936abb2c3485af2c6225d282f19f/thumbnail_1051000.jpg","/articles/6479870/Massachusetts/Hubbardston-committee-finalizes-ribbon-cutting-and-signage-for-new-Dottie-Rock-accessible-trail","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6479870-32769d92654a858cdd6d1d3c1b269134/orig.mp4?Expires=1770415478&Signature=MkiBBWzIy9Q96Tw44E2h1oI~Z5nn~eYgNifjZgm5CKinK1~Q-q9-L~BaF3akc4ulu3IXTEn1XSD0rqmcuroXxma36u5rudohwn59zhdV6Wv9LfsbXGJRu3PpPrJYazB65CcbNTe9mVsRUIQJhNYVbVreud6zdzbJIyu34YlVEpp6tbpYVKsr32BGjN4xuOO~viaRDpD1sMrJ1ddywhwmzZggb3r6jlIu3lEUfxWmRBbdixRomVlAsS3Vx~cl1~zY21nzwtBdl0IzXBRg4NTYnTFm34iBJZPQUszuB7kRzz1lR6hTkwawGjjRhJlATXR2z1j9jHOl9TxWUYlR7jlMSA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Town of Hubbardston Open Space Committee on Aug. 28 set a ribbon-cutting for the new Dottie Rock accessible trail for 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 17, with a rain date of Wednesday, Sept. 24, and agreed on signage and several trail names tied to the new network.

Committee members said Mark Kresge will introduce representatives from the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation and MassTrails at the event and that the North County Land Trust will help publicize it. Organizers plan a staggered walk after a brief ribbon-cutting and will offer GRIT chairs for visitors with mobility limitations to try on-site.

The committee emphasized accessibility in signage. Members agreed to add a standard accessibility symbol (a combined hiker/wheelchair icon used by Massachusetts trail programs) on trail signage rather than changing the trail name to include the word “accessible.” They also discussed adding a symbol to the Dottie Rock Trail entrance so users can identify the accessible surface before starting the loop.

Committee members also finalized practical event details: Katie (town events) will post notices on the town sign and social media and put information on the town website; volunteers will provide trail mix and water in bulk containers and enforce carry-in/carry-out trash rules; Claudia, director of the senior center, provided shuttle-contact information as a contingency; and Ryan Couture (police) will be asked to advise on traffic control if attendance exceeds parking capacity. The committee said attendees could park at nearby Mount Jeff and be shuttled down if needed.

The meeting also recorded naming decisions for several new or reworked trails near Dottie Rock. The committee agreed on the following names by consensus: the main accessible route will remain “Dottie Rock Trail” (marked with the accessibility symbol), a short field-edge connector will be called “Athens Way,” an Eagle Scout project loop will be named the “Scout Trail,” a ridge route will be the “Northridge Loop,” and a rocky section will be named “Moose Track Trail.” For one small connector trail members favored “Headwater Trail” over “Connector” but said they would finalize wording on the maps and signs.

Committee members discussed event accessibility features: a portable battery-powered microphone (Katie may supply one), an available platform (a 4-step mounting block normally used in the barn) as an optional stage, and the possibility of hay-wagon seating or a megaphone as backups. The committee also agreed the land trust would issue a press email and that the Merry Gazette would be notified.

Members raised enforcement and stewardship concerns: they asked the press and social posts to request that ATVs not be used on the trail and asked volunteers and local media to include this in event communications. The committee discussed using temporary posts or a banner at the trail entrance to help direct visitors and reduce congestion.

The meeting closed with logistical follow-up: event invitations will go out to about two dozen stakeholders including DCR/MassTrails contacts; Mark will lead introductions; and the committee will coordinate parking, shuttle and a request for police traffic support if needed. The committee intends the ribbon-cutting to be brief and to highlight the trail’s availability for people with mobility limitations and the partners who helped build it.","The Town of Hubbardston Open Space Committee set a Sept. 17 ribbon-cutting for the newly completed Dottie Rock accessible trail, agreed on trail names and accessibility signage, and finalized event logistics including parking, shuttle options and refreshments.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Committee updates: Rider donation, Harveston fund balance and conservation prospects for local parcels

Public forum prompts committee discussion of sandpit future — solar and senior housing both considered

Committee seeks clarity on hayfield lease, procurement rules and fertilization plan

Hubbardston committee finalizes ribbon-cutting and signage for new Dottie Rock accessible trail