Massachusetts Senate Bill S2417

Massachusetts 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 7/13/23
• Refer: 7/13/23
• Report Pass: 10/16/23

Caption

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

Impact

If enacted, this legislation will allow Nantucket to modify its use of specific conservation lands by permitting the town to convey these holdings, provided that any transfer complies with Article 97 of the Amendments to the Constitution of Massachusetts. This includes a stipulation that requires Nantucket to dedicate land of equal or greater natural resource value for conservation and recreation in exchange for the disposed land to ensure no net loss in protected land. This aspect aims to maintain some level of environmental oversight while facilitating redevelopment or road expansion.

Summary

Senate Bill S2417, presented by Senators Julian Cyr and Dylan A. Fernandes, seeks to authorize the town of Nantucket to convey certain parcels of land located within the roadway known as Ames Avenue. These parcels are documented as lots 35-38 in block 31 on Land Court Plan 2408-M, which have been held for conservation or recreational purposes. The bill allows for the transfer, sale, or conveyance of these lands for roadway and other purposes, notwithstanding any conflicting state laws or regulations.

Contention

The bill may provoke varying opinions among stakeholders. While proponents may view it as a necessary measure to accommodate local development needs and enhance roadway access, critics could be concerned about the implications for conservation efforts on the island. It raises questions about the balance between developmental initiatives and the preservation of natural resources, which is a recurring theme in discussions related to land use policies. This will likely necessitate careful scrutiny during the legislative process to ensure that environmental protections are upheld.