Massachusetts Senate Bill S2503

Massachusetts 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 11/14/23
• Engrossed: 11/14/23
• Refer: 11/15/23
• Engrossed: 11/15/23
• Chaptered: 11/22/23
• Passed: 11/22/23

Caption

Authorizing the conveyance of a certain parcel of land in the city of Fall River

Impact

The bill's passage will alter the management of land in Fall River by allowing a private entity to acquire and modify previously state-regulated land. The conservation restriction linked to the land transfer ensures that, despite its new ownership, the land remains available for conservation purposes and continues to protect local natural resources. This measure is critical considering the ecological significance of the land within the context of the Freetown-Fall River State Forest and Southeastern Massachusetts Bioreserve.

Summary

Senate Bill S2503 authorizes the Fall River Redevelopment Authority to convey a specific parcel of land to VMD Industrial FR LLC. This parcel had previously been designated as a buffer zone under existing laws. The bill outlines the process for the conveyance and allows for the boundaries of this land to be modified, providing that any changes adhere to the plans submitted and recorded with the Bristol Fall River district registry of deeds. It specifies that this land, referred to as Proposed Lot 5, will have a conservation restriction placed upon it in order to maintain its status for ecological protection and conservation purposes.

Contention

While the bill aims to facilitate development and address local economic needs, there may be concerns about privatizing state-regulated land. Some stakeholders could argue that such actions complicate state-level commitments to conservation, while advocates for the bill believe that it strikes a necessary balance between development and environmental stewardship. The discussions in legislative contexts may focus on ensuring that sufficient protections remain intact even with the transition to private management.