During a quick pre-Special Town Meeting scheduled meeting, the Rochester Board of Selectmen on November 19 voted to refrain from exercising its right of first refusal for 440 Snipatuit Road.
The Chapter 61A agricultural use property consists of a house and two acres of cranberry bogs. As a Chapter 61A property, the right of first refusal must be offered to the Town before the land is sold.
Should the land be sold and its Chapter 61A agricultural use discontinued, the owner would have to pay the back taxes plus interest on the property.
The Planning Board voted during its November 13 meeting to not recommend that the selectmen exercise its right of first refusal.
In other matters, the board appointed Selectman Paul Ciaburri to act as the board’s representative for Old Rochester Regional teacher contract negotiations.
“Great,” Board of Selectmen Chairman Greenwood “Woody” Hartley commented. “It’ll be great experience.”
The next meeting of the Rochester Board of Selectmen is scheduled for December 3 at 5:00 pm at the Rochester Town Hall, preceding the annual tree lighting at 6:30 pm in the front of the Town Hall.
Rochester Board of Selectmen
By Jean Perry