Town Council Approves Middle Street Open Space Land Buy

BRAINTREE, MA — Soon, residents will have more open space in South Braintree for their enjoyment and access to the Monatiquot River.

The town council voted Tuesday night to buy 6.4 acres of land on two lots on Middle Street with $620,000 in Community Preservation Act funds. Following the purchase, the land will be placed under the control of the conservation commission and granted a conservation restriction.

The vote came following a recommendation from the community preservation committee and the ways and means committee.

“This positive step, endorsed by me, is to preserve this land forever for passive recreational usage that will be managed through the conservation commission to create walking trails, the possibility of a canoe launch along the Monatiquot Rover, a picnic area, and other family amenities,” Mayor Joseph Sullivan wrote in a letter to the town council.

The land, bordered by the street and MBTA train tracks, gives the town a chance to provide access to the Monatiquot River, which runs only through Braintree. Conservation commission Chairperson Heather Charles Lis called the land very unique and an opportunity that doesn't come along often.

"If people could only see Monatiquot River, it’s just gorgeous. You would not know that you are in Braintree. To stand on the edge of it and away from the developed area is absolutely spectacular," she said.

Councilor Charles Kokoros supported the vote but expressed disappointment that the sale was to someone who had not paid taxes on the property since 1992. According to Kokoros, the property owner owes $115,000 in back taxes to the town.

"We have to do this, but I’m a little bit disappointed we’re paying this much money for it. We’re benefiting someone who has cheated the system since 1992. It’s unfortunate we have no real negotiating option. I paid my taxes on my home and business and I expect everyone else to do so unless there’s a hardship. There is no hardship here," Kokoros said.

Resident Mark Davidson, who lives across from the property, said many in the neighborhood are excited about the possibilities now that the property will likely remain conservation land forever.

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