Massachusetts House Bill H4300

Massachusetts 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/5/24
• Refer: 2/5/24
• Report Pass: 5/30/24
• Refer: 5/30/24

Caption

Authorizing the commissioner of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance to convey a certain parcel of land in the town of Lancaster

Impact

The bill, once enacted, will enable the town of Lancaster to acquire these parcels for a nominal payment, with additional considerations for any retained municipal purposes. The flexibility embedded in the bill allows the town to decide how to utilize the conveyed land, which may include restrictions imposed later. This legislative move aims to enhance local control and development opportunities on the transferred land, allowing Lancaster to utilize it according to its community needs.

Summary

House Bill 4300 authorizes the Commissioner of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance to convey a specified parcel of land owned by the Commonwealth to the town of Lancaster. This conveyance is subject to certain conditions outlined in the bill and aims to support local governance by allowing Lancaster to manage a portion of land previously associated with the Lancaster Industrial School for Girls. The land described in the bill is detailed through various references to property deeds recorded in the Worcester Registry of Deeds.

Contention

One notable point of contention in discussions surrounding this bill includes the implications of transferring state-owned land to a municipality. Concerns may arise regarding future use and management of the land, especially since provisions exist for the Commissioners to intervene if the land is not used according to stipulated standards. Moreover, there is a provision for revenue sharing between the town and the Commonwealth should Lancaster decide to lease or sell portions of the land, which could lead to diverse opinions on equitable resource management.