Parcel donated by Atlantic Union College added to Bolton conservation land
BOLTON – A parcel being donated by Atlantic Union College is being added to the town’s conservation land.
A representative of AUC had reached out to assessors and the town administrator about donating the 1-acre parcel to Bolton, Conservation Agent Rebecca Longvall told selectmen at the board’s Jan. 13 meeting.
Located off of Burnham Road and across from the Rattlesnake Conservation Area, “it meets quite a few of the open space and recreation planning goals,” she said.
Primarily wetlands, it borders Great Brook. Although there are no buildings, she said she found an old fieldstone foundation.
In approving the donation, selectmen put in conditions to check for any hazardous materials and get clear title.
Change of attorney
A Jan. 18 meeting of the Zoning Board of Appeals featured the Alta housing development at 580 Main St.
Selectmen, however, voted to allow a change of attorney handling the project for the town, since the developer wanted to use the town’s attorney for another project it is working on in Marlborough.
Wood Partners requested town attorney Brian Falk, from the firm of Mirick O’Connell, for the Marlborough project, requiring the town to allow that.
Firm attorney Robert Gibbons would take over the project for Bolton “so we would not have the same attorney representing Wood in Marlborough and the town in Bolton,” Town Administrator Don Lowe said.
But Selectman Jonathan Keep said, “I think it is a conflict of interest. I don’t think the same law firm can represent the developer and our interests, so it’s a ‘nay’ for me.”
The board approved the change, with Keep opposed and selectmen Bob Czekanski and Stan Wysocki in favor.
In other business
• In an update from the animal control officer about a dog who was the subject of a past hearing, selectmen learned there is progress at 79 Lancaster Road, with the kennel to be inspected. The dog involved in an attack has passed training and the town is waiting on a certificate.
“It appears everything has moved forward,” Lowe said.
• The board appointed Janet Smith as a new member of the town’s Council on Aging.
• The board also approved signs at The Soulful Co. Barre & Dance Fitness, 626 Main St., including a temporary free standing sign until the end of January.