David Rogers
Massachusetts State Representative
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For Immediate Release January 30, 2014
Contact Michael Allen, 617-722-2400
Governor signs bill authorizing sale of state land to Belmont
BOSTON – Representative Rogers is pleased to announce that Governor Patrick signed H. 2869, “An Act Authorizing the Commissioner of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance to Convey Certain Land to the Town of Belmont for Recreation, Public Works or Other Municipal Purposes” into law on January 24, 2014. The bill authorizes the Commonwealth to sell to Belmont the state-owned land, formerly used as an incinerator site by the town, located on Concord Avenue by the Lexington town line. After an appraisal by the Department of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance determines the fair market value of the property, Belmont can decide whether to purchase the land for municipal use. The opportunity to acquire the land is an uncommon opportunity and is an important and positive development for Belmont.
Senator Brownsberger said “It was good team work by the town and its legislative delegation that got this bill done. I’m glad to have been part of the effort.”
“This law is great news for Belmont as it opens up the chance to acquire land that can be put to a variety of beneficial uses,” said Representative Rogers.
“Getting it through the Legislature was a challenge and I want to thank the Board of Selectmen for their unwavering support and the Belmont officials who came in to testify during the bill’s hearing. It was a great team effort.”
Mark Paolillo commented that “The Board of Selectman and the Town are appreciative of the efforts of Senator Brownsberger and Representative Rogers in helping move this important piece of legislation through the process so quickly. We are encouraged that we are one step closer in obtaining this site for Public Works, Recreation and Municipal uses and look forward to working with the State.”
“This is an important first step in resolving the disposition of the site so that the Town can plan for possible post-closure uses,” noted Town Administrator David Kale. “We look forward to working with the Department of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance as the next phase of the process begins. There has been a great deal of planning work that has already been done by our Community Development Director Glenn Clancy and Public Works Director Peter Castanino, which will benefit future discussions.”
Please feel free to contact Representative Rogers with questions about the bill.
Representative Rogers’ office can be reached by phone at 617-722-2400 or by email at dave.rogers@mahouse.gov.
Congratulations, Dave! I look forward to the next step.