Authorizing the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance to dispose of certain parcels of land in the town of Bolton
If enacted, the bill would allow the town of Bolton to gain access to these parcels, facilitating the land's use for various municipal activities. The restriction of use to general municipal purposes means that the land cannot be repurposed for unrestricted private development, ensuring that the community retains control over how the land is utilized. Additionally, the bill mandates a fair market value determination prior to the conveyance to ensure a reasonable exchange that reflects the land's worth while taking into account its designated use.
House Bill 3346, introduced by Representative Kate Hogan, aims to authorize the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance to convey specific parcels of land to the town of Bolton. These parcels, which once formed part of the campus of the Lancaster Industrial School for Girls, are located at the Northeast corner of the school’s property and include the Bolton dam. The legislation details the process for transferring ownership of these lands while ensuring that they will only be used for general municipal purposes.
Overall, House Bill 3346 demonstrates a focused effort by state representatives to enhance local municipalities' access to state-owned lands for development and improvement of community resources. By placing restrictions on the land's use and establishing a clear framework for its transfer, the bill seeks to align the town's interests with state regulatory standards, fostering a responsible approach to municipal land management.
Notably, the bill includes a reversionary clause that grants the Commonwealth the right to reclaim the land if it is not used for the stipulated municipal purposes. This aspect of the bill may raise concerns among local stakeholders regarding long-term control over the usage of land and the implications if the town were to shift its planning priorities. Furthermore, the bill outlines a thorough appraisal process that involves the inspector general, ensuring transparency and accountability in the transaction, yet some may argue this adds bureaucracy to a straightforward land transfer.