MA
Massachusetts House Bill H4012

Massachusetts 2023-2024 Regular Session

Massachusetts House Bill H4012

Introduced
7/24/23  
Refer
7/24/23  
Refer
11/13/23  
Engrossed
1/16/24  
Engrossed
7/29/24  
Chaptered
8/7/24  

Caption

Authorizing the town of Eastham, acting by and through its board of selectmen, to convey a conservation restriction on a certain parcel of land to the Eastham conservation foundation, inc

Impact

The bill's passage facilitates Eastham's local government to take actionable steps towards maintaining ecological habitats while fulfilling community aspirations for conservation. The conveyed conservation restriction is intended to safeguard the land from development and ensure its use remains aligned with ecological preservation principles. This measure aligns with broader state goals of environmental stewardship and can potentially serve as a model for other municipalities looking to enhance their conservation efforts.

Summary

House Bill H4012 authorizes the town of Eastham, through its board of selectmen, to grant a conservation restriction on a designated parcel of land to the Eastham Conservation Foundation, Inc. This act, exceeding any general or special law constraints, focuses on preserving habitats and enhancing conservation efforts in the area, reflecting the town's commitment to environmental protection and sustainable land management practices. The bill explicitly provides for a perpetual restriction on the land, which encompasses an area of approximately 21.3 acres located off Ocean View Drive in Eastham, Massachusetts.

Contention

While the bill received local approval, it arises in a context sometimes marked by tension between development and conservation interests. Proponents of the bill argue that it represents a significant push towards proactive environmental stewardship, while critics may voice concerns regarding limitations this places on local property development options and the implications of conservation restrictions for landowners. Historically, similar measures have prompted debates over municipal autonomy in land use decisions and the balance between ecological conservation and economic development.

Companion Bills

MA H2097

Similar To Relative to establishing the Eastham community fund in the town of Eastham

Previously Filed As

MA H4046

Authorizing the town of Nantucket to convey a certain parcel of land situated in the town of Nantucket held for park purposes to the Nantucket Conservation Foundation Inc. for open space, recreational, and conservation purposes

MA H2097

Relative to establishing the Eastham community fund in the town of Eastham

MA S2946

Authorizing the town of Nantucket conservation commission to convey a certain parcel of land situated in the town for purposes of conveyance to the town of Nantucket under the care, custody, management and control of the select board and the town of Nantucket to convey certain land in the town of Nantucket held for open space, passive recreation or conservation purposes to the Nantucket islands land bank for the purposes pursuant to its legislation and/or to the Sconset Trust, Inc. For open space, conservation and passive recreation purposes

MA S2915

Authorizing the town of Nantucket to convey certain parcels of land held for conservation or recreation purposes

MA H4645

Authorizing the town of Nantucket to convey a certain parcel of land situated in the town of Nantucket held for park purposes to the Nantucket Conservation Foundation Inc. for open space, recreational, and conservation purposes

MA S2872

Authorizing the release of parcels of land in the town of Raynham from certain restrictions

MA H4077

Authorizing the town of Nantucket to convey certain land situated in the town of Nantucket held for open space, recreational or conservation purposes to the Nantucket Islands Land Bank for the purposes pursuant to its legislation

MA H2118

Authorizing the town of Mashpee to convey certain town owned conservation land to Jacques and Rosalie Fresco

MA H4186

Authorizing the town of Mashpee to convey certain town owned conservation land to Jacques and Rosalie Fresco

MA S2417

Authorizing the town of Nantucket to convey for roadway and any other purposes certain parcels of land within the roadway known as Ames Avenue, and shown as lots 35-38 (inclusive) in block 31 on land court plan no. 2408-m filed with the Nantucket registry district of the land court situated in the town of Nantucket held for conservation or recreational purposes to be conveyed for roadway and/or any purposes

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.