Selectmen Voice Support for Farm Plan

During its June 10 meeting, the Acton Board of Selectmen OK'd a final plan of conservation restriction for the Caouette-Simeone property.

The restriction prevents a portion of the property to be used for the Assabet River Rail Trail and parking.

"From April to end of 2012, we tried a lot of different versions," said Karen O'Neil of the Open Space Committee. "Former owner Paul Simeone and I walked the land and thought the best thing to do is carve off that corner of the property and take it out of conservation restriction. We tested it with tjhe state, brought back to committee ... what we've done is change the bounderies of restriction. The Northeast corner is cut off. It will still be farmed and town-owned, but it's taken out of restriction.

In 2010, Acton voters OK'd the $1 million land purchase at Annual Town Meeting through Community Preservation Act and general funds.

One issue O'Neil said the committee tackled was regarding organic vs. nonorganic farming. She said the conservation restriction does not contain this language

"In September 2011, we submitted a letter from our committee which reflected public concern," she said. "The majority of committee felt it was not appropriate for those issues to be addressed within this restriction. We felt it was a townwide issue and warranted townwide discussion. As a committee, we believe it's still a good recommendation."